Title
Amending Chapter 10-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Places-Prohibited Conduct," by adding a new Section to prohibit the use of Electronic Smoking Devices in public places and in the workplace, under certain terms and conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, An e-cigarette is an electronic smoking device that simulates tobacco smoking; generally consists of a cartridge containing nicotine, a vaporizer or atomizer, a battery, and an indicator light; and may resemble a cigarette, cigar, pipe, pen or USB memory stick; and
WHEREAS, E-cigarettes can contain carcinogenic compounds, and their vapor can contain nicotine, heavy metals, and silicates; and
WHEREAS, E-cigarettes are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and therefore the levels of their ingredients, including nicotine, are not readily known; and
WHEREAS, E-cigarette use has recently doubled among youth and adults in the United States; and
WHEREAS, E-cigarettes mimic the burning end of a conventional cigarette when being used and can cause confusion and difficulty in the enforcement of existing laws prohibiting smoking in indoor spaces; and
WHEREAS, The Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law has contributed to a 15% drop in smoking among adults and a 10% drop among youth in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, E-cigarettes are being marketed through mass media, social media, and celebrity endorsements and may re-normalize and glamorize smoking behaviors; and
WHEREAS, E-cigarettes are not a proven or approved treatment to help people quit smoking; now, therefore
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 10-600 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 10-600. PUBLIC PLACES-PROHIBITED CONDUCT.
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ยง 10-614. Electronic Smoking Devices.
(1) Definitions.
(a) "Electronic smoking device" means an electronic device that delivers nicotine or other substances via vapor for inhalation. The te...
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