Despite fierce debate on the House floor and a close vote, state lawmakers passed a bill banning e-cigarettes from indoor public places Thursday.
The vote was 25-to-12 to approve the bill.
Opponents of the measure cited a lack of scientific understanding on the effects of secondhand vapor on bystanders, saying the move is government overreach.
Rep. Ed Osienski (D-Newark) points out that restaurants burn candles, which emit soot and other fine particulates that can affect the lungs. He says there needs to be more evidence before indiscriminately black listing products.
“There is other things out there that are just as dangerous and we’re not banning that. We’re banning a person’s right here going to something that hasn’t been proven to be dangerous to the public,” said Osienski.
The bill’s sponsors and state health officials countered that Delaware shouldn’t wait decades for long-term studies that they think will show similar negative results like second hand smoke from tobacco.
Dr. Karyl Rattay heads the state Public Health Department and says there is early research pointing out possible health risks.
“That’s very disturbing to me to think that we would wait for 25, 30 years like with conventional cigarettes. Millions and millions of people died who were exposed to them,” said Rattay.
An amendment provides an exemption for stores already selling e-cigs for two years, as some allow customers to sample different flavors.
State senators will address the issue next.
