Those who look to vaping to get away from smoking often make the simple mistake of vaping wherever they go; treating their electronic cigarette like it’s a free pass to feed their habit wherever and whenever they want.
Vaping, while much safer than smoking, is still in its infancy, and as the user base increases, the amount of people who are oblivious to the existence of electronic cigarettes decreases. However, vaping is still not a familiar term to many who are not in the know. When someone who doesn’t smoke sees a person vaping, they attribute it to smoking. They are not fully aware of what it is they are seeing – between general ignorance and misinformation in the news, many of those who look at vaping see it in the same light as they would with someone smoking a cigarette.
Unfortunately, we can not simply just fault someone who picks up an electronic cigarette with the basic knowledge that it’s not as harmful. Some electronic cigarette companies still market their devices as the “legal way to smoke everywhere” – This however is not the case, many states require electronic cigarettes to follow the same rules as tobacco cigarettes, banning them in-doors at public establishments. Even in states where Vaping in-doors may not be banned, many establishments will not stand to see someone vaping in their place of business; legal or not you may be asked to leave.
While I do believe that there will be a time where vaping is not looked at in the same evil way as smoking is, we are still stuck in a time where many people still just don’t know. Although we may not know the long-term side effects that may present themselves, if any from first hand vaping, we can be pretty sure these days that second-hand vapor is completely harmless thanks to studies such as the Clearstream Study from the folks over at FlavourArt.
I ask that my fellow vapers be courteous to those around them who are not smokers or vapers. Treat your electronic cigarette like you would the traditional analogs you once smoked. Be mindful of those around you, and your surroundings. Don’t use your device in a movie theater, or on a plane or in any place you are in close proximity to those around you who might find what you’re doing harmful to their well-being or may be considered illegal. Be mindful of the laws where you live or where you may be going. Do your best to educate those around you whenever and however you can, because we can’t completely rely on media outlets to provide people with honest and accurate information.
I am a RN and I currently work in a large hospital. I was quite unhappy when we were told that electronic cigarettes were subject to the same restrictions as analogs.Their reasons had nothing to do with nicotine or second hand smoke.We were told that it was because it was an ELECTRONIC device. It defies logic.My cell phone is an electronic device. In addition, it is perfectly acceptable to chew nicotine gum or wear a nicotine patch. It feels like discrimination that is rooted in ignorance. E cigs have been accused and condemed without benefit of a trial. It is certain to be a rule that will not be changed. It is for big corporations to create new rules.It is almost impossible to have them removed.
Susan, while i understand the point you are trying to make you need to remember that something like the Patch, Gum, or lozenges can be easily hidden or “disguised”. While I do agree that a lot of it may have to do with a certain level of ignorance; you need to remember that this is still something new and foreign to many people. While we do our best to educate ourselves about what we are doing to our bodies, the amount of misinformation, skepticism and and lack of data has people erring on the side of caution. You need to be mindful that not everyone will know exactly what vaping is, and that you are mimicking smoking. I hope that one day this won’t be an issue, but until then we need to concentrate on not making the situation worse.
Funny, I was at a hospital for the past week due to an ill family member and I was vaping away. The nurses saw it and didn’t care. It’s not like I do it in common areas or blatantly, but nurses saw me doing it in the patient’s recovery room, they didn’t care.
There should be a bit of discretion used when vaping in public areas and those with common sense can make that determination.
Could not have said it better Ben!
I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks and most of the time allowed to vape. I was moved from one part to another, then another and one part thought I was doing drugs and took it away from me. After I got out of that part of the hospital I was able to vape again. It’s all about education. Also, I vape at work, at my desk. I have educated people that 2nd hand vapor is harmless and that it isn’t the same as smoking. The owner of the company does it, and one of the attorneys does as well (I work in a law firm). I vape on a plane in the restroom because one time I was just holding it and they told me to put it away even though I wasn’t using it. They were concerned it “gave the appearance of smoking”.
Stealth vaping is key!
You don’t have to produce huge clouds of vapor all the time.
2 weeks ago today I vaped like a lab rat all day long in a long term intensive care facility as I sat by the bed and watched my Mother die… 2 days later I vaped in the church at the funeral services…
I’ve vaped on airplanes, in movie theaters, restaurants, courtrooms, government facilities, in my cube at work, during conference room meetings, in stores, and just about any place else you can think of…
When I’m in an area where it’s inappropriate to SMOKE I stealth vape!
High PG content, low aroma factor juices… Or juices that have a aroma that blends in with my surroundings, (coffee flavors at work for example), Even unflavored nicotine PG base if necessary to keep anyone from noticing (on a plane for example)…
I take smaller toots, do a 1/2 inhale, hold my breath for 3 to 5 seconds, complete the inhale to the bottom of my lungs, hold my breath for another 3 to 5 seconds, then blow down through pursed lips with a bit of pressure like a slightly exaggerated sigh…
Done properly there is no visible vapor, and with the right juice and a small device even the person sitting right beside me never has a clue.
I’ve practiced this maneuver for many hours until I have it completely mastered, and have never been caught, or had a complaint of any kind.
I vape for my personal well being, not for show… and NOT to make a point!
If I want to blow huge clouds for fun, I do it in my own home, or areas where smoking is acceptable…
It is quite annoying when vaping is lumped in with smoking merely because they look the same. But, fortunately there have been plenty of instances for people who were allowed to vape in a public place because the others thought e-cigs were ‘fake cigarettes.’ Score one for us?
I work in a hospital and we let our patient’s vape…., which is better than smoking with oxygen! I vape as well and discretion is key at work if it is not acceptable. When I am in restaurants I step into the bathroom if I can’t wait (which usually isn’t the case). I think that some people are always looking to demonize something that they don’t approve of or understand. However, I am always respectful of those around me. I have been vaping for over a year and I don’t even crave a real cig (15 year newport smoker).
I would be annoyed by seeing a fellow vaper vape inside a public place. It’s just very showy and distracting as people aren’t used to seeing that behavior now that smoking has been banned for so long. By all means just vape outside like you used to do when you smoked cigarettes. Eventually people will likely realize there is no harm in vaping and invite vapers indoors. But we shouldn’t force our lifestyles upon others.
Well said, Chad.