A new law signed today by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown means that inhalant delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, can no longer be used in any indoor area that is already smokefree under the Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act (ICAA). These areas include almost all indoor workplaces, restaurants, bars and other indoor public places in Oregon.
State officials say the use of e-cigarettes also will not be allowed in cars with minors (under age 18), and the law makes it illegal for businesses to sell e-cigarettes and other inhalant delivery systems to minors. The law defines “inhalant delivery system” as any device that can be used to deliver nicotine, cannabinoids or other substances in the form of a vapor or aerosol to a person inhaling from the device—such as vape pens, e-hookah and e-cigarettes.
On April 5, 2015, a Multnomah County ordinance also banned use of e-cigarettes indoors and of sales to minors. The state law goes further, banning use in vehicles in which a person under 18 is riding.
E-cigarettes contain nicotine—the same addictive ingredient in conventional cigarettes—and the number of young people using them is growing dramatically, in Oregon and around the country. A state public health official said officials said the new law will protect the rights of all Oregonians to breathe fresh air at work and to avoid being exposed to the potential health harms of inhalant delivery systems.
