RENO, Nev. (AP) — Washoe County health officials say electronic or e-cigarettes should be regulated the same as any other tobacco product.
The county health district issued a formal position statement Tuesday that recommends prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in all places where smoking currently is banned.
It also suggests outlawing sales to minors and creating a tax structure similar to the one that exists for other tobacco products.
District health officers Kevin Dick says studies show that despite the impression that e-cigarettes give off harmless water vapor, they typically contain nicotine, flavoring agents and toxic chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects.
He says the number of youth who have used e-cigarettes, but never smoked regular cigarettes, has more than tripled in the past three years.