Question about the FDA....

[rebelchopper]

I know this probably isn't a topic for the new member forum, but I've only made 3 or 4 posts so far even though I've been a member for almost a year. Hopefully a mod can put this in the right place.
So my employer doesn't allow cigarette smoking or vaping on their property. Our employee handbook states -
" This policy also pertains to any devices intended to simulate smoking, such as the 'electronic cigarette', which has been determined by the FDA to contain substances known to be toxic to humans."
I'm assuming they mean nicotine is harmful, since I was under the impression that PG and VG are not harmful.
So the question I have is, can someone point me toward the FDA data showing that nicotine by itself is harmful?
From what I understood, nicotine and caffeine are in the same alkyloid group. They're both poisonous, but we freely ingest caffeine everyday in the form of coffee.
Thanks!

 

[Angus T Rat]

You'll find lots of info in this thread

Nicotine less addictive via vaping then smoking? | Page 11 | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Jdurand]

I don't believe a published FDA study stating this actually exists. I can't help on that front. This is just another example of how employers feel they can OWN their workforce. Go watch the classic movie "Rollerball"....you'll get the idea of where all this stuff could lead.

 

[nyiddle]

I know this probably isn't a topic for the new member forum, but I've only made 3 or 4 posts so far even though I've been a member for almost a year. Hopefully a mod can put this in the right place.
So my employer doesn't allow cigarette smoking or vaping on their property. Our employee handbook states -
" This policy also pertains to any devices intended to simulate smoking, such as the 'electronic cigarette', which has been determined by the FDA to contain substances known to be toxic to humans."
I'm assuming they mean nicotine is harmful, since I was under the impression that PG and VG are not harmful.
So the question I have is, can someone point me toward the FDA data showing that nicotine by itself is harmful?
From what I understood, nicotine and caffeine are in the same alkyloid group. They're both poisonous, but we freely ingest caffeine everyday in the form of coffee.
Thanks!

Summary of Results: Laboratory Analysis of Electronic Cigarettes Conducted By FDA

That might be where they got their information from. Essentially, the FDA is full of .... in this regard. No two ways about it.

That said, your employer can do whatever they want for whatever reason in terms of making rules. If they say no vaping in the office, they don't need to justify it (although they chose to) by pointing out what the FDA thinks.

 

[BrotherBob]

which has been determined by the FDA to contain substances known to be toxic to humans.

This is just a catch all statement which happens to be so general to be true. Breathing "clean" air contain substances known to be toxic to humans.
Your working for the wrong folks. Suggest gaging who in your company is promoting this policy and give (them ?) a wide berth via stealth until you can make other arrangements.

 

[rebelchopper]

Thanks for the quick replies. In RE to my employer - I work for an awesome company in the aviation industry. I have NO complaints whatsoever other than having to get in my car and leave the property to vape. I did the same when I used to smoke. The parent corporation is actually very large, and we follow their rules, so there's no way in heck I'll be able to convince them to change their policies. In a way, I wish that all the vapers working here could come together and sway their opinions, but I know it'll never happen. I'm mainly trying to better educate myself in regard to vaping regulations, FDA bs, etc etc.

 

[bacc.vap]

The key to this could be with the insurance companies. There are insurance companies that are pro ecig. I can't tell you which ones, but there have been members here who've made the claim that their insurance companies paid for starter kits for smokers. Getting these insurance companies more involved would make a huge difference in how vapers are treated at work.

 

[nyiddle]

Thanks for the quick replies. In RE to my employer - I work for an awesome company in the aviation industry. I have NO complaints whatsoever other than having to get in my car and leave the property to vape. I did the same when I used to smoke. The parent corporation is actually very large, and we follow their rules, so there's no way in heck I'll be able to convince them to change their policies. In a way, I wish that all the vapers working here could come together and sway their opinions, but I know it'll never happen. I'm mainly trying to better educate myself in regard to vaping regulations, FDA bs, etc etc.

Makes sense, I'd expect this kind of strange blanket-policy statement from a larger company.

It's a shame, but I respect you for following the rules. I'm a firm believer of "don't vape where you didn't already smoke." In the end it's just associating nicotine with a place that you didn't previously.

 

[kaahn]

I don't believe a published FDA study stating this actually exists. I can't help on that front. This is just another example of how employers feel they can OWN their workforce. Go watch the classic movie "Rollerball"....you'll get the idea of where all this stuff could lead.

I thought employers did own their employees. They are buying your time so in a sense they do own you for that allotted time. Thats why they can fire you if you constantly show up late. If they didnt own your time then you could come and go when you pleased and work when you wanted to. Hell, I'll even go as far as saying you can work on whatever you damn well please and not the things you were hired to do. People think slavery ended many years ago. No it didn't. Instead of the slave owner providing food, housing, clothes, and medical care etc. They just give you money and you go purchase those things for yourself. It's called "freedom". If you don't like the companies policies you are "free" to move on.

 

[Jdurand]

I thought employers did own their employees. They are buying your time so in a sense they do own you for that allotted time. Thats why they can fire you if you constantly show up late. If they didnt own your time then you could come and go when you pleased and work when you wanted to. Hell, I'll even go as far as saying you can work on whatever you damn well please and not the things you were hired to do. People think slavery ended many years ago. No it didn't. Instead of the slave owner providing food, housing, clothes, and medical care etc. They just give you money and you go purchase those things for yourself. It's called "freedom". If you don't like the companies policies you are "free" to move on.

They rent me for eight hours per day. The other 18 are none of their business. And yes, freedom means I can rent myself out to whomever I wish and am free to move on from oppressive policies.

 

[kkiet]

They rent me for eight hours per day. The other 18 are none of their business. And yes, freedom means I can rent myself out to whomever I wish and am free to move on from oppressive policies.

Totally agree with you.

 

[rebelchopper]

They rent me for eight hours per day. The other 18 are none of their business. And yes, freedom means I can rent myself out to whomever I wish and am free to move on from oppressive policies.

you get 26 hours in a day?? Man I want to live where you live!! Lol :::jab:::

 

[kaahn]

They rent me for eight hours per day. The other 18 are none of their business. And yes, freedom means I can rent myself out to whomever I wish and am free to move on from oppressive policies.

You don't choose who rents you...ultimately it is the renters choice. Your skill set determines how bad they want to rent you and for what price but alas it is still the renters choice. You do however have the choice to rent yourself out in the first place. But you know what the say...you don't work, you don't eat. =slavery

 

[Jdurand]

you get 26 hours in a day?? Man I want to live where you live!! Lol :::jab:::

And I will never be rented as a mathematician! lol

 

[rebelchopper]

back to my original post, i should've realized that I already had my answer, knowing that nicotine is technically poisonous at the right dosage level. And since most insurance companies still don't recognize vaping as a potentially good alternative to smoking, the company is probably just crossing all their T's and dotting their I's. and If it's not fair to the smokers, it shouldn't be fair to us, right? :::face palm:::

 

[Jdurand]

You don't choose who rents you...ultimately it is the renters choice. Your skill set determines how bad they want to rent you and for what price but alas it is still the renters choice. You do however have the choice to rent yourself out in the first place. But you know what the say...you don't work, you don't eat. =slavery

I guess it's the Gen-x'er in me. I still feel I have value.

You do know why every kid gets a trophy these days don't you? It's not so nobody gets hurt, it's so you realize you have no more value than anyone else. Think about it!

 

[kaahn]

You do know why every kid gets a trophy these days don't you? It's not so nobody gets hurt, it's so you realize you have no more value than anyone else. Think about it!

I agree and its a cryin' shame. They want everyone on a level playing field. No more hero, no more winner, no more best of the best, no more top dog, king of the mountain. It's happening on the global level as well. Sad really.

 

[EBates]

When I coached youth soccer (4-6 age group) I referred to it as 'socialist soccer'. Our team motto was "we play in a non-competitive league, but will never be a non-competitive team".

 

[rebelchopper]

You'll find lots of info in this thread

Nicotine less addictive via vaping then smoking? | Page 11 | E-Cigarette Forum

Summary of Results: Laboratory Analysis of Electronic Cigarettes Conducted By FDA

That might be where they got their information from. Essentially, the FDA is full of .... in this regard. No two ways about it.

That said, your employer can do whatever they want for whatever reason in terms of making rules. If they say no vaping in the office, they don't need to justify it (although they chose to) by pointing out what the FDA thinks.

Thanks for the links!