You may have heard a lot lately about ‘employee wellness’ and the effect it has in the workplace. Nearly 20% of employees vape at work which negatively impacts mood/mental health, attention, impulse control and learning, as well as increased health risks of high blood pressure, lung disease, cardiovascular disease and seizures.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, many have added language in their smoking policy. Why?
- To avoid allergic and other physical reactions to the chemicals emitted and/or violations of their clean air policies
- To prevent potential productivity issues
- For safety due to the combustible materials in e-cigarettes
Plus, consider reported annoyances by co-workers who don’t want to smell or be near smoke in the air. Large national and international employers have banned in-house vaping, like CVS, Starbucks, Target, Walmart and UPS.
The CDC reports as of March 31, 2023 that the following U.S. states/territories passed smoke free indoor air laws that include e-cigarettes, in addition to many municipalities. These laws prohibit smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in indoor areas of private worksites, restaurants and bars.
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington, DC
- Puerto Rico
Further, April 27, 2021 was the day the official mail ban of vaping products (The PACT Act: Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking) went into effect. Freight Right Global Logistics reported, “The PACT Act did not just outlaw the USPS from carrying these products, it also heaped several requirements for both sellers of tobacco and potential carriers,” like UPS, DHL and FedEx. What’s required in order to transit? Packages have to be labeled as containing tobacco products and drivers would have to verify the age and identity of the receiver upon delivery. It’s just not feasible logistically for these large carriers.
What Next?
Get expert guidance from the Mayo Clinic at becomeanex.org by the Truth Initiative.
Parents of young vapers can text: QUIT to 202-899-7550 for text messages to guide conversations with your child, give you strategies to try together, and help you manage the stress.
