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Conn. Lawmaker To Propose Ban On E-Cigarettes In Public Places

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - While electronic cigarettes may be gaining in popularity, one Connecticut lawmaker is working to restrict their use in public places.

As WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported, the final word on the level of toxicity and vapors from e-cigarettes has not yet been officially determined.

But one Connecticut state senator argues e-cigarettes should be publicly outlawed just like traditional cigarettes.

Conn. Lawmaker To Propose Ban On E-Cigarettes In Public Places

State Sen. Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) said smoke signals on the possible hazards have already been sent out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"The FDA did in 2009 issue a preliminary warning about vapors from e-cigarettes, so that's interesting," Meyer told Schneidau. "They cited the fact that there is nicotine in e-cigarettes and that therefore there's a presumption that the vapor that's emitted - vapor rather than smoke - will be toxic."

E-cigarettes are popular among those trying to quit traditional tobacco cigarettes. A heating element inside the inhaler vaporizes liquid nicotine.

Meyer said he expects his bill banning e-cigarettes from public places will be drafted and possibly passed in the upcoming legislative session.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health has not yet taken a position on the relatively new vaporizers.

Last month, a number of attorneys general, including from Conn. and New York, called on the FDA to issue federal regulations for e-cigarettes.

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