Electronic cigarettes will be permitted in public buildings in a southern Kansas county under a newly approved policy.
The Wichita Eagle reports that the Sedgwick County commission took up the issue Monday night.
The county's tobacco policy didn't previously address e-cigarettes, or "vaping" devices. The new policy was approved with a 3-2 vote. It clarifies that employees and customers can use unflavored e-cigarettes. Each county department can set its own designated areas for customers and employees who want to vape indoors.
Anti-tobacco groups fear that vaporizers are enticing to young people and may encourage them to eventually take up smoking. Others say the devices are a less harmful, tar-free alternative to cigarettes.
They have not been extensively studied, and there is no scientific consensus on their risks.
------
