TOOELE, Utah -- Smoking E-cigarettes could soon be banned in certain parts of Tooele.
The Tooele City Council is considering a ban on E-cigarette smoking in parks and other public places because they might contain toxic chemicals. It's not a new ordinance, city officials are just trying to amend the current outdoor smoking law so it includes vaporizers.
Electronic cigarettes are considered to be a healthier option to smoking cigarettes, but many health organizations are coming forward saying that's not necessarily true. The electronic device that heats and releases a synthetic nicotine is so new, no rigorous health studies have been completed on the effects of inhaling the vapor.
Cindy is the manager of a convenience store in Tooele, and she spoke to FOX 13 while using an E-cigarette.
"It's just a vapor," she said. "It is a flavored vapor with a little nicotine in it, so you just... you don't smell anything. You don't stink."
Wade Matthews, Tooele County Health Department, said E-cigarettes aren't harmless.
"E-cigarettes do have some harmful substances in them," he said. "Nicotine, one of the main ingredients, is a habit-forming substance, highly habit-forming substance. The health department does support the enhancement to Tooele City's ordinance right now, for that reason."
FOX 13 News has emailed each member of the Tooele City Council, but so far they have not responded.
At a city council meeting held Wednesday night, the proposed ban was tabled.
