Ban on e-cigarettes in Milwaukee takes effect -- what you need to know

Ahmed Elbenni | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Smoking has been prohibited in Milwaukee's enclosed public spaces since 2010.

Tuesday, a similar ban on e-cigarettes took effect.

The ban was unanimously passed by the Common Council last month. The legislation was sponsored by Ald. Michael J. Murphy and co-sponsored by Council President Ashanti Hamilton, Ald. Cavalier Johnson and Ald. Milele Coggs.

If fewer people become addicted to these products, "the long-term health of our country and our city will be improved," Murphy said at the time.

Here's what you need to know:

What's banned

E-cigarettes, otherwise known as electronic smoking devices, heat nicotine-containing solutions to produce a "vapor" known as aerosol. Their use has skyrocketed among youth since their introduction to the domestic market in 2007.

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Although e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, the U.S. surgeon general has identified potentially toxic chemicals within the liquid cartridges, including benzene, nickel and lead. Several studies have suggested the presence of formaldehyde, a dangerous chemical known to cause cancer in humans.

Watch where you light up

The ban includes restaurants, bars, and other businesses. Since the ban applies to e-cigarettes even in vape shops, users can no longer sample their products before purchasing them.

Be prepared for the penalties

Fines for violating the ban begin at $100.

The prohibition of e-cigarettes represents the last piece in a three-part package aiming to increase public health by limiting tobacco use. The first measure, instituted last month by Municipal Court, increased the fine for selling tobacco to minors. It also raised the fine for retailers selling single cigarettes from $181 and $321, for first and subsequent offenses, respectively, to $691.

The second measure, passed by the Common Council in May, built on the first by banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.