8/4/2019 Washinton State Department of Health -- Letter in Support of E-Cig Indoor Use Ban (E-Cigarette FOIA Request Result)

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STATE OF WASH INGTONDEPARTMENT OF HEALTHPO Box 47890. Olymp ia, Washington 98504-7890Te l: (360) 236-4501 FAX: (360) 586 7424 TDD Relay Service: 18008336388

May 17 ,20 11

The Honorable Dick Muri, ChairTacoma-Pierce County Board ofHealth3629 South D StreetTacoma, Washington 98418Dear Chair Muri:I am writing to comment on proposed regulations regarding smoking in public places, and thesale and use of electronic smoking devices and unregulated nicotine delivery products.Preventing the use of tobacco products and the chronic diseases it causes is one of theDepartment of Health's highest priorities. Tobacco use has declined in Washington in the lastdecade as a result of effective policies. We have one of the most comprehensive indoor clean airlaws to protect the public and workers from secondhand smoke. Higher tobacco taxesdiscourage kids from starting and motivate adult smokers to quit. For the past 10 years we haveinvested state funds into a comprehensive tobacco prevention program.Washington is a leader in tobacco prevention and control and our smoking rate is the third lowestin the country. Since the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program began more than 10 yearsago, there are now about a third fewer adult smokers. About 105,000 adults have been spared anearly death from tobacco use. Importantly, smoking by youth has been cut in half; 70,000 feweryouth smoke in our state.Smoking in Public PlacesOur state' s 2005 Smoke-Free Public Places law (chapter 70.160 RCW) is one of the best in thecountry. The state law allows local governments to make changes that allow more effectiveenforcement. The state Department of Health strongly supports clean indoor air and protectingworkers and the public from secondhand smoke and its harmful effects. We support your effortsto make application and enforcement of the law clear and consistent.

8/4/2019 Washinton State Department of Health -- Letter in Support of E-Cig Indoor Use Ban (E-Cigarette FOIA Request Result)

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The Honorable Dick Muri, ChairMay 17,2011Page 2

Electronic Cigarettes and Unregulated Nicotine Delivery ProductsThe issue of electronic cigarettes is a new one, and we don't have conclusive answers about allaspects of their use. But there are some things we are aware of and concerned about. Thedevices deliver nicotine to,the user; however, there is no evidence that electronic cigarettes aresafe or effective in helping people quit smoking. Nicotine is a toxic, addictive substance.In fact, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tested electronic cigarettes anddetermined that there are some toxic ingredients in them. Because they are not FDA-approved,there is no way to know the exact level of danger someone would get from usingthem. http://www.fda.govlNewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucml72906.htm.The Department of Health supports evidence-based cessation aids that we know to be safe andeffective. This includes nicotine replacement medications approved by the Food and DrugAdministration such as nicotine patches, gum, and nasal spray - but not electronic cigarettes.We share your concern about the safety of electronic cigarettes and their use in public and bychildren under 18.Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your proposed regulations.Sincerely,- ) 1 , u + ~ ; J - t i T Maxine Hayes, M.D, M.P.H.cc: Members, Tacoma-Pierce County Board ofHealthDr. Anthony Chen, Director ofHealth, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

Mary C. Selecky, Secretary, Washington State Department ofHealthAllene Mares, Assistant Secretary, Washington State Department of Health