Vaping in the Military gets BUMED

[Webby]

I asked a friend of mine (a lifer Master Chief on a nuclear sub and 30 year smoker who JUST turned to e-cigs) to check into the Navy's direction on E-Cigs in the military. He ran it up the ladder and (unfortunately) here is the scuttlebutt - Navy Medicine Goes Smoke Free

Navy Medicine Goes Smoke Free

By Valerie A. Kremer, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) became a tobacco-free compound, Jan. 1, in time for the start of the new year.

The use of tobacco products, including all forms of smokeless tobacco are now strictly prohibited on the Potomac Annex property, including electronic nicotine delivery devices (e-cigarettes).
"E-cigarettes, which are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), are not an acceptable substitute for tobacco cessation," said Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr.
Robinson outlined guidance to all Navy medical personnel regarding the safety of e-cigarettes in policy memo 6200 dated Oct. 1, 2010.

"Those wishing to quit their tobacco use and wish to use medications should use FDA-approved nicotine replacement products such as nicotine gum, skin patches, lozenges, oral inhaled products, or nasal sprays," said Robinson. "These products are available to aid in a successful tobacco cessation program."

Leading up to the campus-wide smoking cessation, BUMED employees attended town hall meetings on the topic, which provided a variety of options and information to aid in quitting tobacco use.

During the past several months, several Navy Medicine facilities have gone smoke free, an action applauded by Robinson in alignment with establishing a fit and healthy force.

"As Navy health care providers, we can evoke positive and meaningful change through our own actions," said Robinson. "Implementation of tobacco-free environments sends a powerful and effective message encouraging our Sailors, Marines, retirees, family members, staff, and community to be healthy."

For more information on smoking cessation, go to the Naval Medical Public Health Center site at Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) Portal or contact a smoking cessation program available at many Navy Medicine medical treatment facilities (MTFs).

For more news about Navy Medicine, visit www.navy.mil/local/mednews.

Michal "Webby" Douglas | President - CASAA.ORG
Consumer Advocates for Smokefree Alternatives Assoc.
182 St Francis Street; STE 300 Mobile, AL 36602
T: 251.285.8500 Fx: 251.445.1043 Skype: CASAAHQ

 

[Rosco]

Typical politics again.
These people can NOT think and decide on their own. GI = Government Issue. That's what they are - government issue first,last, and always.

Such a shame.

 

[earthpig]

A lady in the Navy bought and returned a e-cig setup where I work.
I asked her why, and she mentioned the medical "higher up's", said they were dangerous and contained antifreeze...
I had a "head in hands" moment, and then we talked for nearly a 1/2 hour on what is in these things as well as studies involved.
The Navy is using the "canned FDA response", plus some.
Sad.

 

[JollyRogers]

Weird, last USS I visited and worked on, they vaped openly on the ship in work spaces. One of the Dept Heads even was using a PV in a work space. I liked it cause it allowed me to do the same. I bet that will come to a screaching halt shortly. I have managed to distance myself from the USN somewhat job wise lately. The more I do, the less I miss it.

 

[kristin]

Any members who are in the Navy know if they have changed their policy and now allow e-cigs on boats/subs? Word is from a vendor near a Navy base that he's getting a lot of purchases because the sailors say e-cigs are allowed now!

 

[JollyRogers]

I'll ask my son when I get a chance. He is on a ship, not a boat. But most ships allow smoking in a designated space. Plus as I well know, banning e-cigs below decks is one of those impossible rules to enforce.

 

[BoiseMike]

Does anyone see it as ironic that they expect sailors to put themselves in a position to be targeted by missiles, torpedos and depth charges, yet vaping is too dangerous to allow? Yup, those Navy folks need to be protected from vapor.