National Parks ban e-cigs

[SunDevil3]

I don't know if I agree with this. I don't really want people blowing that vapor nonsense in my face while hiking in our national park system but, what are the odds of that ever happening?

Certain people are going to attempt to smoke one way or the other and, if the method by which they are permitted to do it does not carry the potential to ignite massively destructive fires, then that is a good thing in my book.

I am still of the opinion that there is no need to ban these things because common decency and a modicum of respect for one's fellow man should take care of 99.9% of any problems that would result from allowing an e-cig to be "smoked" within a national park... but perhaps i am an optimist.

Curious to hear what everyone else thinks.

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/09/1 ... ntcmp=hpff

[joebartels]

There are no reported cases of an electronic cigarette contributing to an outdoor fire, though the report cited the possibility of the devices’ powerful batteries to start a fire.

Smartphones, hearing aides, etc

What's next, love? sparks could fly!

[chumley]

electronic cigarettes are now banned in any areas where traditional smoking is prohibited

This is a nothing-burger. It's become very common for anyplace that has smoking restrictions to extend those restrictions to e-cigs. Including restaurants, airports, etc.

[Tough_Boots]

if they ban fedoras and Ed Hardy shirts along with the e-cigs then I'll be in full support

[cactuscat]

E-cigs and vaping is what finally helped me quit smoking cigarettes after about 20 years and many, many previous attempts. I don't think they should be banned, but it's real easy to sneak and use them anyhow since they don't leave smoke or odor - other than maybe a bit of a fruity smell. I used them in plenty of banned places while weaning myself from tobacco and nicotine. When it came time to quit vaping as well, that was very easy compared to quitting smoking.

[sneakySASQUATCH]

@cactuscat
I don't mean any personal disrespect, but
That is exactly why there should be the same restrictions. Smokers who pick up vaping seem to think they are entitled. Almost every time I wait for a gate checked bag at the airport in a jetway there is a pumpkin idiot sneaking their e cig while I'm waiting for my bag. Or in public restrooms etc. I shouldn't have to breath cigarette or e cig second hand smoke or vapor if I avoid smoking areas, but I constantly do.
Our security takes them and returns them at the rigs because they sneak them on the flights to the platforms and rigs. They are a hazard in the Pax compartment just like cell phones and laptops for thermal overload of the batteries which is why we don't allow any of these things powered on during flight (not because of interference with navigation.)My understanding from my experience with a lot of e cig users offshore is at least with the people I transport, regular vapors like to modify their e cigs to get bigger more efficient drags which increases the likelihood of thermal overload and fires. I know several who have had fires from their modified equipment. I'm sure they are beneficial for quitting smoking, but they do release harmful chemicals and although I avoid smoking areas and places where people smoke I find my self increasingly not being able to avoid vapors who think the can vape anywhere Including shared living areas where we stay onshore by fellow employees who think they can vape in their rooms and non smokers are not going to notice or find the smell offensive.

[Tough_Boots]

in all honesty, I don't care if they ban them or not nor do I have much room to argue against them in the wilderness. I quit smoking four and a half years ago and I'll admit I've had many cigarettes on all my favorite summits, saddles, and canyons (including the Grand Canyon). Luckily, those days are behind me and I support anyone's efforts to quit-- though that doesn't mean I appreciate inhaling someone else's nicotine filled vape. With that said, someone's personal preference or pet peeves is in no way grounds for banning something.

[Jim]

I don't think anyone with a functioning nose can think that these E cigarettes of various forms, have no odor. They aren't like a giant cigar or an old astray with a dozen half burned cigarettes in it, but they are noticeable. They leave a weird vapor the air and it sticks around for a while. Ban them from indoor areas, but outdoors only in the high fire danger period, as the last thing you want are a bunch of agitated addicts roaming the parks, jonesing for a fix.

[Thoreau]

If they don't like e-cigs, they're gonna feces bricks over my cigars =)

It's rare that I don't have a celebratory stogie when i hit a peak. Had one on Flatiron, peak 5024, hell even up on Tom's Thumb.

That said, as a former cig smoker myself, I do try to avoid crowded places. Obviously Camelback and Squaw oeak are no go, and I wouldn't be a big enough douch to light up at Phantom Ranch or Indian Garden.

And since cigars are a long duration kinda thing, on-trail is about the last place I'd waste a good stick.

[te_wa]

chewing tobacco (whether or not you think good or bad about it) is a growing trend. there are something like 25 flavors now. it's obvious they're filling a growing need of nic fitter's that find smoking areas becoming more scarce.

[Trishness]

@cactuscat
Me too CactusCat! I smoked tobacco cigarettes for 35 years and finally quit with the help of e-cigs. It was the only thing that helped me quit.

[Alston_Neal]

I had smoked for over 30 years and what helped me out was 3 days in the hospital from an MI. It'll be 7 months tomorrow.

Yeeeeehaaaaaa!!!!