[ Just paste broken links shown in purple directly into your browser - the extra line doesn't matter. Pls. PM me if you have more recent info. about proposed/actual legislation, if you think I've missed an important story, or if you want more tweaks to the formatting program. ]
1) MI Gov. Snyder calls for extension of MI's indoor clean air act to cover vaping, and also supports "taxing and regulating" vaping like tobacco smoking.
2) UK advertising regulators release draft standards.
3) Del Mar CA - next city in SD Co. to pass vaping=smoking extension to clean air act?
4) Another tsunami of press releases and national coverage on the Protect Minors from Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act of 2014: Rep. Diana DeGette (CO) to introduce it into US House.
5) Waseca MN & Gage Co. NE define vaping as smoking for purposes of indoor clean air rules.
6) First vape & coffee shop opens in London.
7) MN dep't of Health Press Release on poison control center calls (etc.) continues to propagate around the US - stories collected at end.
Coverage: UK, US States: CT, MS, MI, MN, WI, NE, TX, CA
Also: Azim Chowdhury on what to expect for upcoming FDA regs and Dr. Siegel on Legacy's claim that 44% of minors who start smoking do so because of movies.
Not covered: (1) SF passes anti-vaping indoor/outdoor ban; (2) FL and LA minor bans advance; (3) dead MD and WA bills; and (4) NACS (Nat'l ...'n of Convenience Store Retailers asks members to avoid selling PVs to minors).
***
BLOGS, STUDIES, ETC.
Title: Advertising Guidelines Proposed for E-Cigs
(ECF's InfoZone)
Advertising Guidelines Proposed for E-Cigs - ECF InfoZone
Gary Cox's initial take on the standards - more to come.
Title: What TO EXPECT - FDA regulation of e-cigarettes [Azim Chowdhury]
(Keller & Heckman LLP's web site via Tobacco Reporter)
http://www.khlaw.com/webfiles/What_To_Expect.pdf
Listed here as a service to readers. Comments on this should go to the thread in legislation:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-fda-reg-s-esp-substantial-equivalence-c.html
Title: Exactly 44% of Kids Who Start Smoking Do So Because of Smoking in Movie
(Dr. Siegel's blog)
http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/03/exactly-44-of-kids-who-start-smoking-do.html
Analysis of Legacy Foundation's absurd March 2nd press release with the same title.
---
UK: LONDON
Title: London's first e-cigarette coffee shop opens its doors to capital's 'vapers'
(UK Nat'l paper) http://www.theguardian
.com/uk-news/2014/mar/19/london-first-e-cigarette-coffee-shop-vape-lab
Junk-free report on London's first vape-and-coffee shop, which offers conversation in tandem with myriad flavors of its blandishments. For some strange reason the writers didn't see fit to remind readers that vaping is presently unregulated or cite alamist junk science.
***
US NATIONAL
Title: The Truth About E-Cigarettes and Your Health
(US 'Health' Mag.) http://www.womenshealthmag
.com/health/e-cigarettes
It's hard to know where to start with the junk in this hit job piece (which wasn't actually written by a professional ANTZ, although a quick read might give one that impression). This is a warm-up for what to expect:
"Are vapers merely trading one evil for another - or are these new tools a bright light in an otherwise killer industry?
"But the most important ingredient in both versions is nicotine, which can have some nasty long-term effects, says cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, D.O., author of Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum's Heart Book. The addictive stimulant constricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and restricts blood flow to your heart. It may cause airway problems and has been linked to disturbed sleep rhythms, depression, diabetes, even some cancers. It can also make you dizzy and irritable." [boldface added - nicotine doesn't have long- term effects]"
"Because it's unregulated, an e-cig cartridge could contain anywhere from one to 100 milligrams of nicotine (there's about one milligram in a traditional cig).[boldface added]"
"And sucking in too much nicotine can be fatal. ('I've seen people OD on nicotine,' says Steinbaum. 'It's frightening.'[boldface added - OD from what source - fertilizer, or vaping?]
"Researchers estimate that to date, more than 1 million nonsmokers have tried vaping."
However this piece misses the highly-coveted professional ANTZ rating of 80 or more, because it does rather grudgingly acknowledge that vaping may have some THR and cessation value at the end. I suspect we'll see this one syndicated.
Title: Groups Call Out Youth E-Cig Study
(Convenience store trade 'zine) http://www.cspnet
.com/category-management-news-data/tobacco-news-data/articles/groups-call-out-youth-e-cig-study
Summary and explanation of criticism directed towards the Dutra & Glantz JAMA paper alleging that vaping is a gateway to tobacco use for teens. Cites Clive Bates as well as Thomas Glynn of ACS and David Abrams of Legacy. No junk.
Title: Colorado lawmakers take action to ban E-cigarette ads aimed at kids
(Denver CO US fox affiliate) http://kdvr
.com/2014/03/19/colorado-lawmakers-take-action-to-ban-e-cigarette-ads-aimed-at-kids/
CO congresswoman Diana DeGette plans to introduce the PCECAA, the vaping advertising bill in the house (PCECAA = Protecting Children From Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act of 2014). Apparently the initial excitement over the legislation's introduction on Feb 26, the press release by NY Sen. Schumer on the the 14th, and the press conference held by CT Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. DeLauro on the 15th were not enough. We'll now see another round of media stories announcing the official submission of PCECAA in the house. [Story doesn't explicitly refer to PCECAA, but a call to the congresswoman's DC office confirmed that this is the same piece of legislation.] Junk in the piece is from the Congresswoman's statements: "They're using the same tactics as Joe Camel [etc.]."
---
US: CONNECTICUT
Title: Restrict e-cig sales
(New London CT US local paper) http://www.theday
.com/article/20140320/OP01/303209449
Editorial supports passage of CT 24, which is mistakenly identified as SB 24 (since the bill was introduced by Gov. Malloy, there's no prefix). Junk is here:
"Public Health Commissioner Jewell Mullen cites research that shows youths who smoke e-cigarettes are more likely to move on to smoking tobacco."
[ CT 24 (proposed by gov) minor sales ban - still in joint cmte on children? HB 5286 - burdensome labelling requirements whose purposes is to "destroy the e-cig industry" (Bill Godshall): http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...contents-nicotine-yield-hearing-feb-28-a.html ]
---
US: MISSISSIPPI
Title: DeSoto Co. Debates E-Cig Ban In Government Buildings
(Memphis TN US ABC affiliate) http://www.localmemphis
.com/story/d/story/DeSoto-co-debates-e-cig-ban-in-government-building/33891/q4lqQmgTUUWGPps07vwsNA
No junk. This space reported yesterday that DeSoto Co. extended its indoor/outdoor smoking prohibitions to vaping. It's difficult to know what to think about something like this:
"DeSoto County is pondering the idea of allowing folks to 'vape' inside government buildings. But the FDA has to give the official 'ok' said county administrator Vanessa Lynchard. 'It clearly could happen but I think the FDA needs to rule on the safety of em. And if theyre safe the board would probably open that up,' Lynchard said."
[ No current threats in MS, please PM me if you know differently. ]
---
US: MICHIGAN
Title: Snyder: Treat E-Cigarettes Like Tobacco
(E. Lansing MI US NPR) http://wkar
.org/post/snyder-treat-e-cigarettes-tobacco
"E-cigarettes are electric devices that deliver nicotine via a smokeless mist. The state Department of Community Health wants e-cigarettes to be treated as a tobacco product - taxed as tobacco and subject to clean indoor air laws. Governor Snyder says hes standing with public health officials in his administration. 'At this point, the department is handling most of the communication, but you can tell how I feel about the issue in a relatively clear sense,' he says.[para breaks omitted]"
[ MI appears to have several simple minor sales bans in the works - SB 667/8 and HB 4997 5007. SB 667/8 have passed the Sen. Most significantly, MI is under threat from HB 5393, which would effectively ban vaping sales entirely:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/legislation-news/536975-michigan-legislation.html ]
Title: From the Daily [Editorial]: Prioritizing minors health
(U. MI Student paper) http://www.michigandaily
.com/opinion/03daily-e-cigarettes20
Pro-vaping articles are hard to find these days, even among student papers. Editorial board endorses MI's SB 667/8, which are simple minor sales/possession bans, but opposes additional restrictions on vaping and vapor products. Endorses harm reduction and cessation value of vaping. No junk.
---
US: MINNESOTA
Title: Times Writers Group: Research will lift e-cig haze
(St. Cloud MN US local paper) http://www.sctimes
.com/article/20140320/OPINION/303200021/Times-Writers-Group-Research-will-lift-e-cig-haze
General pro-vaping opinion that points out that treating vaping like smoking makes little sense w/o evidence. Sadly, the writer chose not to present the evidence which does exist about the value of vaping as THR/cessation as well as the lack of documented harm to bystanders. Junk-free.
[ Threats in MN are: HF 1974: Minor sales ban and extends clean indoor act to cover vaping, still in 1st house cmte (health & human svcs), and may have ammended to remove the indoor clean air act ext (?).
SF SF 2027: Same as HF 1974, except indoor clean air act extension is still there. Out of sen. local gov't cmte, now in sen. commerce cmte. (last: 3/13)
For MN vapers updates, see: Minnesota Vapers Advocacy |Minnesota Vapers Advocacy
and the MN Vapers FB page for organizing: http://www.facebook.com/groups/MNVapersAdvocacy/
And: CASAA: Call to Action! Minnesota E-Cigarette Usage Ban ]
Title: Waseca ordinance regulating e-cigarettes passes with no public opposition
(Waseca MN US local paper) http://www.southernminn
.com/waseca_county_news/news/article_c4562ca6-bde9-5fce-a509-a8c0b1e19481.html
Waseca is the latest city in this part of MN that lies SW of the Twin Cities to pass a vaping=smoking extension to its clean indoor air act (along with a ban on minor sales and possession). No public opposition at the hearing, and no indication in the story of ANTZ activity. Waseca joins Austin, Manketo, N. Manketo, and New Ulm among towns in the region that have either adopted or are considering indoor/outdoor vaping bans. Your correspondent believes that Rochester, Albert Lea, or Fairmont might be next, as the local ALA chapter continues its sweep of the region. Sen Kathy Sheran of Manketo first announced her interest in filing a statewide vaping=smoking extension to MN's clean air act on Feb 16th, which became MN's SF 2027. She also gave an extensive interview to Twin Cities PBS a month later, which was covered in this space.
---
US: WISCONSIN
Title: Journal Times editorial: Keep e-cigarettes legal for now
(Racine WI US local paper) http://journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/journal-times-editorial-keep-e-cigarettes-legal-for-now/article_7a02b9b8-afa9-11e3-a1d7-0019bb2963f4
.html
Junk-free editorial ends with these paragraphs:
"We are, as a society, in the investigative stage with regard to e-cigarettes. Some of us think that theyre harmless, some of us think that theyre harmful. Which means were going to need expert analysis, scientific study, before we take governmental action against them. In a free society, you dont need a reason to make something legal. You need a reason to make something illegal. We may have that reason in the future, but we dont have it now. Use of an e-cigarette is called vaping. Let adults chose to vape if they please. [para break omitted]"
[ WI has two bills that would explicitly exempt from the state Indoor Clean Air Act, which CASAA strongly supports: CASAA: Call to Action! UPDATED: SUPPORT Wisconsin SB 440 and AB 762 EXEMPTING E-cigarettes from public use bans! Also see report by Kirstin: http://wivapers.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-two-days-in-wisconsins-capitol.html and: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...6240-wisconsin-updates-wisconsin-updates.html ]
---
US: NEBRASKA
Title: [Gage] County bans e-cig use
(Beatrice NE US local paper) http://beatricedailysun.com/news/local/county-bans-e-cig-use/article_3efef6f6-78ac-520d-a7aa-9a250e5b4114
.html
Readers of this space will recall that a KY jail developed Crossbar Electronic Cigarettes - a tamper-proof disposable PV which a number of penal institutions around the US had begun to use as a tool for maintaining order and raising funds. Gage Co. NE recently modified its employee handbook to define vaping as a form of prohibited tobacco product use within county faciliies and on county property. No junk other than:
"[Commissioner] Byars expressed allowing inmates to use e-cigarettes could pose a liability issue for the county if an unknown health issue arises from the product down the line. 'This is a building that we control and we have the obligation, he said. 'If people get sick because they have nicotine or arsenic in their blood from that smoke it is our obligation and were not going to do it.'" [para break omitted]"
[ LB 861, a simple minor sales ban is ready for Gov.'s sig. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...n-self-service-displays-hearing-jan-27-a.html ]
---
US: TEXAS
Title: Baytown considers treating e-cigarettes as other tobacco products
(Houston TX US local paper) http://www.click2houston
.com/news/baytown-proposes-to-restrict-where-you-can-use-ecigarettes/25027116
Brief story on Baytown TX's April 10 City Council meeting to discuss proposed ordinance which would treat vaping as smoking (also covered in this space on 3/1, 3/14, and 3/16). Doesn't say much, but we get more insight from:
"'It's maybe not as harmful (as cigarette smoke), but it is introducing nicotine into the air,' Baytown Councilman Terry Sain said during last Thursday's council session. He added that his workplace has already decided to restrict e-cigarette use."
[ TX's legislature is out of session for the year, unless Gov. Perry calls for a special session. ]
Title: Campus tobacco ban includes electronic cigarettes
(U TX Austin student paper) http://www.dailytexanonline
.com/news/2014/03/20/campus-tobacco-ban-includes-electronic-cigarettes
Student-written story notes that campuswide ban on vaping was put into place in 2012. The story contains no junk, but does include this:
"[UT HR Dir.] Howarth-Moore said banning e-cigarettes was part of the stipulation for tobacco-free campus funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, or CPRIT. 'CPRIT does include e-cigarettes as a prohibited item for purposes of certifying an entity as meeting their tobacco free criteria,' Howarth-Moore said. 'To allow e-cigarettes would jeopardize CPRIT funding.' [boldface added]"
---
US: CALIFORNIA
Title: Del Mar City Council to consider regulating e-cigarette use
(Del Mar CA US local paper) http://www.delmartimes
.net/2014/03/19/del-mar-city-council-to-consider-regulating-e-cigarette-use/
City council to consider indoor clean air act extension to ban indoor/outdoor vaping. No date set. Writer helpfully refers to FDA '09.
[ CA is under threat from a wide variety of legislation, such as an internet sales ban: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-shipment-e-cigarettes-anyone-california.html ]
Title: Policy proposes considering electronic smoking devices the same as regular cigarrettes
(SF CA US City College student paper) http://theguardsman
.com/category/featured/policy-proposes-considering-electronic-smoking-devices-the-same-as-regular-cigarrettes/
This is surprising in that City College hasn't yet implemented a vaping=smoking policy. Your Correspondent was also flabbergasted to read that City College permits smoking in "designated areas." (As vapers know, designated smoking areas are a thing of the past on the grounds of virtually all US educational institutions, which treat all tobacco product use plus nicotine-free vaping as "smoking.")
"The high-tech gadgets have no place at City College and are on the chopping block, according to a recommended smoking policy overview prepared by City College Police Chief Andre Barnes. [...]
City College Associated Student Senator Ryan Mote, who has been working with Barnes on the proposed police [policy], said e-cigarettes should be categorized as cigarettes just to avoid confusion."
No junk.
***
COLLECTION: POISON CONTROL CENTER CALL STORIES FROM MINNESOTA
MN Dept of Health issues press release on poison control center calls due to vaping. The Star-Tribune provides the helpful headline that you see below, and even AP decided to refer to these as "case." Your Correspondent has to wonder whether these press releases occur on some kind of regular schedule, or whether the Health Dep't had noticed that several bills are now pending in the state legislature. Is this "lobbying" of elected officials? Guess not.
As of today, the Star-Trib has distinguished itself by running this story three different times. (One is the AP version which - in keeping w/ AP's high standards - is less inflamatory.).
Title: Latest e-cig fear: Poisoned kids
(Twin Cities MN US local paper) http://www.startribune
.com/lifestyle/kids-health/250898471.html
Star-Tribune story #1
Title: Poison control center says cases involving e-cigarette juice rise sharply in 2013
(AP via Twin Cities MN US local paper) http://www.startribune
.com/lifestyle/health/250808021.html@
Star-Tribune story #2
Title: Poisoning by e-cigarette fluid up sharply among kids, Minn. report says
(Twin Cities MN US local paper) http://www.startribune
.com/lifestyle/health/250820261.html
Star-Tribune story #3
Title: E-cig poisoning cases on rise among children
(Twin Cities MN US NBC affiliate) http://www.kare11
.com/story/news/health/2014/03/18/e-cig-poisoning-cases-on-rise-among-children/6591559/
Title: Increase in e-cigarette poisonings concerns anti-smoking advocate
(Duluth MN US local paper) http://www.duluthnewstribune
.com/content/increase-e-cigarette-poisonings-concerns-anti-smoking-advocate
Title: HEALTH ALERT: E-cigarette contents can cause poisoning
(Twin Cities MN US Fox affiliate) http://www.myfoxtwincities
.com/story/25012429/health-alert-e-cigarette-contents-can-cause-poisoning
AP syndications follow, some with variant titles:
http://minnesota.cbslocal
.com/2014/03/18/poisonings-from-e-cigarette-liquid-up-sharpl http://www.twincities
.com/news/ci_25366858/poisonings-from-e-cigarette-liquid-up-sharply
http://www.perhamfocus
.com/content/youth-poisonings-e-cigarette-juice-increase-tenfold-minnesota-2
http://www.wdio
.com/article/stories/S3365832.shtml
http://www.winonadailynews
.com/news/state-and-regional/mn/poisonings-from-e-cigarette-liquid-up-sharply/article_0679ff3f-c795-5e1f-a232-4c4118fa460a.html
http://www.therepublic
.com/w/MN--E-Cigarette-Poisoning
http://www.austindailyherald
.com/2014/03/poisonings-from-e-cigarette-liquid-up-sharply/
***
Google Tips
to see whether there are bad things happening where you live, try this Google search (example for Rhode Island) -
rhode site:casaa.org
(Replace rhode with a single word that describes your city, county, or state. For ex., if you live in Eau Claire, WI - you might use "Claire" to see if something is being proposed at the city level. Don't forget the : (colon), and be sure that there's nothing before or after the colon (not even spaces or tabs.)
You can also try replacing site:casaa.org with e-cigarette to find out what the media is reporting in your area. This is usually most helpful if you use the search tools to search by date. (CASAA doesn't generally issue calls or alerts until a bill is out of a state legislative committee, or is scheduled for a local city or county hearing.)
1) MI Gov. Snyder calls for extension of MI's indoor clean air act to cover vaping, and also supports "taxing and regulating" vaping like tobacco smoking.
2) UK advertising regulators release draft standards.
3) Del Mar CA - next city in SD Co. to pass vaping=smoking extension to clean air act?
4) Another tsunami of press releases and national coverage on the Protect Minors from Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act of 2014: Rep. Diana DeGette (CO) to introduce it into US House.
5) Waseca MN & Gage Co. NE define vaping as smoking for purposes of indoor clean air rules.
6) First vape & coffee shop opens in London.
7) MN dep't of Health Press Release on poison control center calls (etc.) continues to propagate around the US - stories collected at end.
Coverage: UK, US States: CT, MS, MI, MN, WI, NE, TX, CA
Also: Azim Chowdhury on what to expect for upcoming FDA regs and Dr. Siegel on Legacy's claim that 44% of minors who start smoking do so because of movies.
Not covered: (1) SF passes anti-vaping indoor/outdoor ban; (2) FL and LA minor bans advance; (3) dead MD and WA bills; and (4) NACS (Nat'l ...'n of Convenience Store Retailers asks members to avoid selling PVs to minors).
***
BLOGS, STUDIES, ETC.
Title: Advertising Guidelines Proposed for E-Cigs
(ECF's InfoZone)
Advertising Guidelines Proposed for E-Cigs - ECF InfoZone
Gary Cox's initial take on the standards - more to come.
Title: What TO EXPECT - FDA regulation of e-cigarettes [Azim Chowdhury]
(Keller & Heckman LLP's web site via Tobacco Reporter)
http://www.khlaw.com/webfiles/What_To_Expect.pdf
Listed here as a service to readers. Comments on this should go to the thread in legislation:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-fda-reg-s-esp-substantial-equivalence-c.html
Title: Exactly 44% of Kids Who Start Smoking Do So Because of Smoking in Movie
(Dr. Siegel's blog)
http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/03/exactly-44-of-kids-who-start-smoking-do.html
Analysis of Legacy Foundation's absurd March 2nd press release with the same title.
---
UK: LONDON
Title: London's first e-cigarette coffee shop opens its doors to capital's 'vapers'
(UK Nat'l paper) http://www.theguardian
.com/uk-news/2014/mar/19/london-first-e-cigarette-coffee-shop-vape-lab
Junk-free report on London's first vape-and-coffee shop, which offers conversation in tandem with myriad flavors of its blandishments. For some strange reason the writers didn't see fit to remind readers that vaping is presently unregulated or cite alamist junk science.
***
US NATIONAL
Title: The Truth About E-Cigarettes and Your Health
(US 'Health' Mag.) http://www.womenshealthmag
.com/health/e-cigarettes
It's hard to know where to start with the junk in this hit job piece (which wasn't actually written by a professional ANTZ, although a quick read might give one that impression). This is a warm-up for what to expect:
"Are vapers merely trading one evil for another - or are these new tools a bright light in an otherwise killer industry?
"But the most important ingredient in both versions is nicotine, which can have some nasty long-term effects, says cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, D.O., author of Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum's Heart Book. The addictive stimulant constricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and restricts blood flow to your heart. It may cause airway problems and has been linked to disturbed sleep rhythms, depression, diabetes, even some cancers. It can also make you dizzy and irritable." [boldface added - nicotine doesn't have long- term effects]"
"Because it's unregulated, an e-cig cartridge could contain anywhere from one to 100 milligrams of nicotine (there's about one milligram in a traditional cig).[boldface added]"
"And sucking in too much nicotine can be fatal. ('I've seen people OD on nicotine,' says Steinbaum. 'It's frightening.'[boldface added - OD from what source - fertilizer, or vaping?]
"Researchers estimate that to date, more than 1 million nonsmokers have tried vaping."
However this piece misses the highly-coveted professional ANTZ rating of 80 or more, because it does rather grudgingly acknowledge that vaping may have some THR and cessation value at the end. I suspect we'll see this one syndicated.
Title: Groups Call Out Youth E-Cig Study
(Convenience store trade 'zine) http://www.cspnet
.com/category-management-news-data/tobacco-news-data/articles/groups-call-out-youth-e-cig-study
Summary and explanation of criticism directed towards the Dutra & Glantz JAMA paper alleging that vaping is a gateway to tobacco use for teens. Cites Clive Bates as well as Thomas Glynn of ACS and David Abrams of Legacy. No junk.
Title: Colorado lawmakers take action to ban E-cigarette ads aimed at kids
(Denver CO US fox affiliate) http://kdvr
.com/2014/03/19/colorado-lawmakers-take-action-to-ban-e-cigarette-ads-aimed-at-kids/
CO congresswoman Diana DeGette plans to introduce the PCECAA, the vaping advertising bill in the house (PCECAA = Protecting Children From Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act of 2014). Apparently the initial excitement over the legislation's introduction on Feb 26, the press release by NY Sen. Schumer on the the 14th, and the press conference held by CT Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. DeLauro on the 15th were not enough. We'll now see another round of media stories announcing the official submission of PCECAA in the house. [Story doesn't explicitly refer to PCECAA, but a call to the congresswoman's DC office confirmed that this is the same piece of legislation.] Junk in the piece is from the Congresswoman's statements: "They're using the same tactics as Joe Camel [etc.]."
---
US: CONNECTICUT
Title: Restrict e-cig sales
(New London CT US local paper) http://www.theday
.com/article/20140320/OP01/303209449
Editorial supports passage of CT 24, which is mistakenly identified as SB 24 (since the bill was introduced by Gov. Malloy, there's no prefix). Junk is here:
"Public Health Commissioner Jewell Mullen cites research that shows youths who smoke e-cigarettes are more likely to move on to smoking tobacco."
[ CT 24 (proposed by gov) minor sales ban - still in joint cmte on children? HB 5286 - burdensome labelling requirements whose purposes is to "destroy the e-cig industry" (Bill Godshall): http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...contents-nicotine-yield-hearing-feb-28-a.html ]
---
US: MISSISSIPPI
Title: DeSoto Co. Debates E-Cig Ban In Government Buildings
(Memphis TN US ABC affiliate) http://www.localmemphis
.com/story/d/story/DeSoto-co-debates-e-cig-ban-in-government-building/33891/q4lqQmgTUUWGPps07vwsNA
No junk. This space reported yesterday that DeSoto Co. extended its indoor/outdoor smoking prohibitions to vaping. It's difficult to know what to think about something like this:
"DeSoto County is pondering the idea of allowing folks to 'vape' inside government buildings. But the FDA has to give the official 'ok' said county administrator Vanessa Lynchard. 'It clearly could happen but I think the FDA needs to rule on the safety of em. And if theyre safe the board would probably open that up,' Lynchard said."
[ No current threats in MS, please PM me if you know differently. ]
---
US: MICHIGAN
Title: Snyder: Treat E-Cigarettes Like Tobacco
(E. Lansing MI US NPR) http://wkar
.org/post/snyder-treat-e-cigarettes-tobacco
"E-cigarettes are electric devices that deliver nicotine via a smokeless mist. The state Department of Community Health wants e-cigarettes to be treated as a tobacco product - taxed as tobacco and subject to clean indoor air laws. Governor Snyder says hes standing with public health officials in his administration. 'At this point, the department is handling most of the communication, but you can tell how I feel about the issue in a relatively clear sense,' he says.[para breaks omitted]"
[ MI appears to have several simple minor sales bans in the works - SB 667/8 and HB 4997 5007. SB 667/8 have passed the Sen. Most significantly, MI is under threat from HB 5393, which would effectively ban vaping sales entirely:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/legislation-news/536975-michigan-legislation.html ]
Title: From the Daily [Editorial]: Prioritizing minors health
(U. MI Student paper) http://www.michigandaily
.com/opinion/03daily-e-cigarettes20
Pro-vaping articles are hard to find these days, even among student papers. Editorial board endorses MI's SB 667/8, which are simple minor sales/possession bans, but opposes additional restrictions on vaping and vapor products. Endorses harm reduction and cessation value of vaping. No junk.
---
US: MINNESOTA
Title: Times Writers Group: Research will lift e-cig haze
(St. Cloud MN US local paper) http://www.sctimes
.com/article/20140320/OPINION/303200021/Times-Writers-Group-Research-will-lift-e-cig-haze
General pro-vaping opinion that points out that treating vaping like smoking makes little sense w/o evidence. Sadly, the writer chose not to present the evidence which does exist about the value of vaping as THR/cessation as well as the lack of documented harm to bystanders. Junk-free.
[ Threats in MN are: HF 1974: Minor sales ban and extends clean indoor act to cover vaping, still in 1st house cmte (health & human svcs), and may have ammended to remove the indoor clean air act ext (?).
SF SF 2027: Same as HF 1974, except indoor clean air act extension is still there. Out of sen. local gov't cmte, now in sen. commerce cmte. (last: 3/13)
For MN vapers updates, see: Minnesota Vapers Advocacy |Minnesota Vapers Advocacy
and the MN Vapers FB page for organizing: http://www.facebook.com/groups/MNVapersAdvocacy/
And: CASAA: Call to Action! Minnesota E-Cigarette Usage Ban ]
Title: Waseca ordinance regulating e-cigarettes passes with no public opposition
(Waseca MN US local paper) http://www.southernminn
.com/waseca_county_news/news/article_c4562ca6-bde9-5fce-a509-a8c0b1e19481.html
Waseca is the latest city in this part of MN that lies SW of the Twin Cities to pass a vaping=smoking extension to its clean indoor air act (along with a ban on minor sales and possession). No public opposition at the hearing, and no indication in the story of ANTZ activity. Waseca joins Austin, Manketo, N. Manketo, and New Ulm among towns in the region that have either adopted or are considering indoor/outdoor vaping bans. Your correspondent believes that Rochester, Albert Lea, or Fairmont might be next, as the local ALA chapter continues its sweep of the region. Sen Kathy Sheran of Manketo first announced her interest in filing a statewide vaping=smoking extension to MN's clean air act on Feb 16th, which became MN's SF 2027. She also gave an extensive interview to Twin Cities PBS a month later, which was covered in this space.
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US: WISCONSIN
Title: Journal Times editorial: Keep e-cigarettes legal for now
(Racine WI US local paper) http://journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/journal-times-editorial-keep-e-cigarettes-legal-for-now/article_7a02b9b8-afa9-11e3-a1d7-0019bb2963f4
.html
Junk-free editorial ends with these paragraphs:
"We are, as a society, in the investigative stage with regard to e-cigarettes. Some of us think that theyre harmless, some of us think that theyre harmful. Which means were going to need expert analysis, scientific study, before we take governmental action against them. In a free society, you dont need a reason to make something legal. You need a reason to make something illegal. We may have that reason in the future, but we dont have it now. Use of an e-cigarette is called vaping. Let adults chose to vape if they please. [para break omitted]"
[ WI has two bills that would explicitly exempt from the state Indoor Clean Air Act, which CASAA strongly supports: CASAA: Call to Action! UPDATED: SUPPORT Wisconsin SB 440 and AB 762 EXEMPTING E-cigarettes from public use bans! Also see report by Kirstin: http://wivapers.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-two-days-in-wisconsins-capitol.html and: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...6240-wisconsin-updates-wisconsin-updates.html ]
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US: NEBRASKA
Title: [Gage] County bans e-cig use
(Beatrice NE US local paper) http://beatricedailysun.com/news/local/county-bans-e-cig-use/article_3efef6f6-78ac-520d-a7aa-9a250e5b4114
.html
Readers of this space will recall that a KY jail developed Crossbar Electronic Cigarettes - a tamper-proof disposable PV which a number of penal institutions around the US had begun to use as a tool for maintaining order and raising funds. Gage Co. NE recently modified its employee handbook to define vaping as a form of prohibited tobacco product use within county faciliies and on county property. No junk other than:
"[Commissioner] Byars expressed allowing inmates to use e-cigarettes could pose a liability issue for the county if an unknown health issue arises from the product down the line. 'This is a building that we control and we have the obligation, he said. 'If people get sick because they have nicotine or arsenic in their blood from that smoke it is our obligation and were not going to do it.'" [para break omitted]"
[ LB 861, a simple minor sales ban is ready for Gov.'s sig. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...n-self-service-displays-hearing-jan-27-a.html ]
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US: TEXAS
Title: Baytown considers treating e-cigarettes as other tobacco products
(Houston TX US local paper) http://www.click2houston
.com/news/baytown-proposes-to-restrict-where-you-can-use-ecigarettes/25027116
Brief story on Baytown TX's April 10 City Council meeting to discuss proposed ordinance which would treat vaping as smoking (also covered in this space on 3/1, 3/14, and 3/16). Doesn't say much, but we get more insight from:
"'It's maybe not as harmful (as cigarette smoke), but it is introducing nicotine into the air,' Baytown Councilman Terry Sain said during last Thursday's council session. He added that his workplace has already decided to restrict e-cigarette use."
[ TX's legislature is out of session for the year, unless Gov. Perry calls for a special session. ]
Title: Campus tobacco ban includes electronic cigarettes
(U TX Austin student paper) http://www.dailytexanonline
.com/news/2014/03/20/campus-tobacco-ban-includes-electronic-cigarettes
Student-written story notes that campuswide ban on vaping was put into place in 2012. The story contains no junk, but does include this:
"[UT HR Dir.] Howarth-Moore said banning e-cigarettes was part of the stipulation for tobacco-free campus funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, or CPRIT. 'CPRIT does include e-cigarettes as a prohibited item for purposes of certifying an entity as meeting their tobacco free criteria,' Howarth-Moore said. 'To allow e-cigarettes would jeopardize CPRIT funding.' [boldface added]"
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US: CALIFORNIA
Title: Del Mar City Council to consider regulating e-cigarette use
(Del Mar CA US local paper) http://www.delmartimes
.net/2014/03/19/del-mar-city-council-to-consider-regulating-e-cigarette-use/
City council to consider indoor clean air act extension to ban indoor/outdoor vaping. No date set. Writer helpfully refers to FDA '09.
[ CA is under threat from a wide variety of legislation, such as an internet sales ban: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-shipment-e-cigarettes-anyone-california.html ]
Title: Policy proposes considering electronic smoking devices the same as regular cigarrettes
(SF CA US City College student paper) http://theguardsman
.com/category/featured/policy-proposes-considering-electronic-smoking-devices-the-same-as-regular-cigarrettes/
This is surprising in that City College hasn't yet implemented a vaping=smoking policy. Your Correspondent was also flabbergasted to read that City College permits smoking in "designated areas." (As vapers know, designated smoking areas are a thing of the past on the grounds of virtually all US educational institutions, which treat all tobacco product use plus nicotine-free vaping as "smoking.")
"The high-tech gadgets have no place at City College and are on the chopping block, according to a recommended smoking policy overview prepared by City College Police Chief Andre Barnes. [...]
City College Associated Student Senator Ryan Mote, who has been working with Barnes on the proposed police [policy], said e-cigarettes should be categorized as cigarettes just to avoid confusion."
No junk.
***
COLLECTION: POISON CONTROL CENTER CALL STORIES FROM MINNESOTA
MN Dept of Health issues press release on poison control center calls due to vaping. The Star-Tribune provides the helpful headline that you see below, and even AP decided to refer to these as "case." Your Correspondent has to wonder whether these press releases occur on some kind of regular schedule, or whether the Health Dep't had noticed that several bills are now pending in the state legislature. Is this "lobbying" of elected officials? Guess not.
As of today, the Star-Trib has distinguished itself by running this story three different times. (One is the AP version which - in keeping w/ AP's high standards - is less inflamatory.).
Title: Latest e-cig fear: Poisoned kids
(Twin Cities MN US local paper) http://www.startribune
.com/lifestyle/kids-health/250898471.html
Star-Tribune story #1
Title: Poison control center says cases involving e-cigarette juice rise sharply in 2013
(AP via Twin Cities MN US local paper) http://www.startribune
.com/lifestyle/health/250808021.html@
Star-Tribune story #2
Title: Poisoning by e-cigarette fluid up sharply among kids, Minn. report says
(Twin Cities MN US local paper) http://www.startribune
.com/lifestyle/health/250820261.html
Star-Tribune story #3
Title: E-cig poisoning cases on rise among children
(Twin Cities MN US NBC affiliate) http://www.kare11
.com/story/news/health/2014/03/18/e-cig-poisoning-cases-on-rise-among-children/6591559/
Title: Increase in e-cigarette poisonings concerns anti-smoking advocate
(Duluth MN US local paper) http://www.duluthnewstribune
.com/content/increase-e-cigarette-poisonings-concerns-anti-smoking-advocate
Title: HEALTH ALERT: E-cigarette contents can cause poisoning
(Twin Cities MN US Fox affiliate) http://www.myfoxtwincities
.com/story/25012429/health-alert-e-cigarette-contents-can-cause-poisoning
AP syndications follow, some with variant titles:
http://minnesota.cbslocal
.com/2014/03/18/poisonings-from-e-cigarette-liquid-up-sharpl http://www.twincities
.com/news/ci_25366858/poisonings-from-e-cigarette-liquid-up-sharply
http://www.perhamfocus
.com/content/youth-poisonings-e-cigarette-juice-increase-tenfold-minnesota-2
http://www.wdio
.com/article/stories/S3365832.shtml
http://www.winonadailynews
.com/news/state-and-regional/mn/poisonings-from-e-cigarette-liquid-up-sharply/article_0679ff3f-c795-5e1f-a232-4c4118fa460a.html
http://www.therepublic
.com/w/MN--E-Cigarette-Poisoning
http://www.austindailyherald
.com/2014/03/poisonings-from-e-cigarette-liquid-up-sharply/
***
Google Tips
to see whether there are bad things happening where you live, try this Google search (example for Rhode Island) -
rhode site:casaa.org
(Replace rhode with a single word that describes your city, county, or state. For ex., if you live in Eau Claire, WI - you might use "Claire" to see if something is being proposed at the city level. Don't forget the : (colon), and be sure that there's nothing before or after the colon (not even spaces or tabs.)
You can also try replacing site:casaa.org with e-cigarette to find out what the media is reporting in your area. This is usually most helpful if you use the search tools to search by date. (CASAA doesn't generally issue calls or alerts until a bill is out of a state legislative committee, or is scheduled for a local city or county hearing.)
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