Update Fresno County Tobacco Definitions to Include Vaping & E-Cigarettes

Update Local Smoking and Tobacco Product Definitions to Include E-Cigarettes & New Emerging Tobacco Products

It’s no secret that the use of e-cigarettes, are on the rise. That’s why in 2016, the State of California updated the definitions for “tobacco product” and “smoking” to include electronic smoking devices, their parts, accessories and future products that may not contain tobacco leaf.

Yet while the definitions were updated at the state level, some local cities in Fresno County haven’t updated definitions in their municipal code to include these new products.

Are e-cigarettes and vaping as bad as smoking regular cigarettes?

Some think an e-cigarette is just harmless water vapor. But it’s neither water, nor vapor — nor harmless. Both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes contain harmful chemicals associated with cancer and other deadly diseases. E-cigarette aerosol also contains dangerous substances including nicotine and heavy metals like nickel and lead. They also include flavoring that can cause lung disease called popcorn lung.

It’s also tough for consumers to know exactly what’s in their e-cigarette products: some products are marketed as nicotine-free, but studies show they contain nicotine.

Why should Fresno County update the smoking definitions?

Updating the definitions at a local level to align with our state laws will provide clarity and consistency statewide. By expanding the definitions, local policies will be easier to enforce and will be protected from loopholes created by new and emerging tobacco products. Updating tobacco definitions in local municipal codes to include e-cigarettes will help reduce people’s exposure to secondhand aerosol.

Myth vs. Fact

The Ugly Truths About Vaping

Vapes also known as e-cigarettes produce a harmless water vapor.

MYTH

Vapes produce an aerosol that has nicotine and toxins known to cause cancer.
These toxic chemicals include formaldehyde, lead and nickel – some of the same chemicals found in tobacco products.

REALITY

Vapes are safe.

MYTH

Vapes are not a risk-free product. They contain nicotine and low levels of toxins and chemicals.
Vapes are especially dangerous for teens, whose brains are still developing. Teens who vape are at risk for nicotine addiction, depression and other mood disorders, and have difficulty paying attention and reduced impulse control.

REALITY

Vaping isn’t addictive.

MYTH

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug – and one of the main ingredients in most vape e-juices.

REALITY

Vapes help people quit smoking.

MYTH

Vapes are not approved by the FDA to help people quit tobacco. Some people switch from cigarettes to vapes. But switching isn’t quitting.

REALITY

Big Tobacco doesn’t make vape products.

MYTH

All major tobacco companies now make vapes. By 2020, the vape market is expected to reach $15 billion.

REALITY

E-cigarettes like JUUL are only for adults.

MYTH

JUUL is the most popular tobacco product used by youth. JUUL is highly addictive – and one JUUL pod may contain the same amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.

REALITY

Stop Blowing Smoke: Redefine Smoking & Update Policy

How You Can Help

Along with all of us at the Fresno County Tobacco-Free Coalition, the Fresno County Department of Public Health has policy definition examples, and can assist cities with creating the updates. We can also provide educational presentations to elected officials, community members and city staff. Contact Us today to find out about our resources to assist your facility in becoming smoke-free.