Puffing on an electronic cigarette is now banned wherever regular smoking is prohibited in San Marcos.
The San Marcos City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to become the latest city in the county to power down e-cigarette use.
The council’s decision will amend two ordinances to list the e-cigs, which have a battery-powered vaporizer to produce a sort of steam instead of smoke.
Opponents of so-called “vaping” say e-cigarette manufacturers target their products to minors with high-tech designs, candy and fruit flavors and easy availability. Teen e-cigarette use doubled between 2011 and 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The North Coastal Prevention Coalition says the aerosol from the vapor contains at least ten chemicals on California’s Proposition 65 list of carcinogens and reproductive toxins.
But proponents argue the health risks of e-cigarettes are much lower than those of conventional cigars and cigarettes – though the long-term risks are not known – and the devices act as a safer way to help quit smoking.
San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, Poway, Vista, Carlsbad, Coronado and Oceanside are among the county’s other cities to ban vaping where other cigarettes are used are.
