eCigarettes to Be Banned from Workplaces?
While traditional smoking is banned in many workplaces across the country, banning eCigarettes is left up to the discretion of the employer.
Cigarettes, pipes, and all smoking devices have been banned from workplaces by a number of states in recent years. According to Workforce.com, smoking in the workplace has been banned by 29 states and the District of Columbia. With the advent of the eCigarette, however, comes a new debate: Do they fall under the category of "smoking"?
eCigarettes are a new form of a cigarette that uses heat to vaporize a liquid solution containing nicotine. The electronic devices don't emit smoke, but rather vapor, and are intended to help smokers quit. Others use them because they are thought to be healthier than traditional smoking.
Workforce.com reports the debate over whether or not eCigarettes should be allowed in the workplace has begun. Some believe the devices should be banned because they have detectable levels of chemicals and carcinogens, which could possibly annoy or bother customers and coworkers. Others believe the devices show no outside health risks and could improve employee productivity, as employees will not have to take a smoke break.
As of now, there are no laws regarding eCigarettes in the workplace, so it is up to the individual employer whether or not it wants to ban the devices in its workplaces.