Starting January 1st, the state of Illinois will prohibit the use of e-cigarettes indoors in public places.
The new rule modifies the Smoke Free Illinois Act to add vaping to the original 2008 indoor smoking ban. Just as with conventional cigarettes, use of e-cigarettes will not be permitted within 15 feet of any public entrance.
Secondhand inhalation of aerosols released by vaping have been demonstrated to pose similar health risks to cigarette smoke, prompting the inclusion of vaping under the public health law which first outlawed indoor tobacco smoking.
“E-cigarettes contain nicotine and other chemicals which can be harmful to both those who use them and those who are exposed to them,” explained Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
“Just like smoking, vaping can lead to lung damage and nicotine addiction. We applaud the General Assembly and Gov. Pritzker for their leadership to ensure that public spaces in Illinois are safe, clean environments for everyone.”
The public can learn more information and Businesses can acquire updated signage to print and post for compliance with the new rule by visiting the Smoke-Free Illinois web page at http://www.smoke-free.illinois.gov/.
