COUNTY OF MONTEREY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Electronic Cigarettes - (E-Cigarettes)
Electronic cigarettes are battery operated devices that deliver nicotine to the user through vaporization. Most e-cigarettes are created to look like traditional cigarettes, but some are also made to look like pens and other similar devices.
Because e-cigarettes have not been fully studied, consumers currently do not know:
- the potential risks of e-cigarettes when used as intended,
- how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals are being inhaled during use, or
- whether there are any benefits associated with using these products.
Additionally, it is not known whether e-cigarettes may lead users to try other tobacco products, including conventional cigarettes, which are known to cause disease and lead to premature death.
The Health Risks
Electronic cigarettes are a concern because their use may lead to traditional tobacco use. Another concern is the liquid nicotine (also known as e-juice) contained in these cigarettes. E-juice comes in a variety of flavors, including candy and fruity flavors which often appeals to children. E-juice is often sold in separate bottles so users can refill the tanks or cartridges in their e-cigarettes. These bottles are similar to those used for eyedrops or breath freshener and aren't required by Federal Law to be childproof. Because of their appealing flavors and containers, e-juice often gets mistaken for eyedrops, breath freshener, or candy by children and adults. This has led to a rise in calls regarding nicotine poisoning among adults and children, with nicotine poisoning of children aged five and under making up 60% of those calls.
You can access the State Health Officer's Report on E-Cigarettes for more information.
New Information
AB 216: Product Sales to Minors - Vapor Products
Summary: "Would prohibit the sale of any device intended to deliver a non-nicotine product in a vapor state, to be directly inhaled by the user, to a person under 18 years of age, or to a person under 21 years of age if SB 151 of the 2015-16 Regular Session is enacted and takes effect. The bill would exempt from its prohibition the sale of a drug or medical device that has been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. Because this bill would create a new crime or infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws."
Status: Passed 10/11/2015
SBX2 5: Electronic Cigarettes
Summary: "Would define the term "smoking" for purposes of the STAKE Act. The bill would also change the STAKE Act's definition of "tobacco products" to include electronic devices, such as electronic cigarettes, that deliver nicotine or other vaporized liquids, and make furnishing the tobacco product to a minor a misdemeanor. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws."
Status: Passed 5/4/2016
Health Alerts & Articles
Additional Information
Ordinances regarding E-Cigarettes in Monterey County
- Gonzales, CA: Chapter 5.64 - Electronic Smoking Devices
- Monterey, CA: Chapter 22, Section 22-29 - Regulation of smoking in public places
- Monterey, CA: Title 7 > Chapter 7.80 > 7.80.040 > H. It shall be a violation of this Chapter for any tobacco retailer or any of the tobacco retailer's agents or employees to sell or offer for sale, or to possess with intent to sell or offer for sale, any single use electronic cigarette.
- Seaside, CA: Title 8, Chapter 8.39 - Tobacco or Electronic Cigarette Retailers , Electronic Cigarettes, Vapor Lounges, and Drug Paraphernalia
County of Monterey Tobacco Control Program | For more information, please click here to contact us.