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Vaping bill may be up in smoke
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MONROE - A bill aimed at allowing electronic cigarettes to be used in public places, and not restricted under the state's indoor smoking ban, is getting mixed reaction as the vaping debate smolders on. But the bill appears to be running out of steam to reach a vote before the legislative session ends.

Two bills, one in the state Assembly and one in the state Senate, seek to specify that e-cigarettes may be used in public places, such as bars, and deem them exclusive from the Wisconsin smoke-free workplace law passed in 2010. The bills would clarify the language of the 2010 law that outlaws "smoking," but does not specify inhaling vapor, like e-cigarettes.

Mark Dohse, an employee of Vapor Company, which recently set up shop on Monroe's Square, said Chicago has recently banned the use of e-cigarettes in public spaces. But he sees using e-cigarettes, often called "vaping" for the water vapor produced, as a way to curb smoking traditional cigarettes.

"We support any legislation that helps people who are trying to quit," Dohse said.

Registered nurse Jamie Batz has been giving presentations on e-cigarettes at the Monroe Police Department and the Green County Health Department Board to try and bring more awareness to the use of e-cigarettes. She said she is more concerned that electronic cigarettes are targeting young people.

"They use colors that appeal to youth, just like the old cigarette advertisements," Batz said.

Adding to her concerns are comments from police officers that vaping devices have been used to inhale illegal drugs. She said she hopes to bring her presentation to schools as well.

And while some studies say the devices are safe and effective at helping people quit smoking, others say not enough is known about the chemical components ingested during vaping.

According to the Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association website, e-cigarettes were invented by a Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, as an alternative for those wanting to quit smoking. Electronic cigarettes are rechargeable devices that heat nicotine solutions and create a vapor that can be inhaled. The devices were not introduced in the U.S. until 2006-07 and became contested by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009, which claimed the devices were being used as a "drug-device product."

The FDA began testing two brands of e-cigarettes and found the liquid capsules, which contain the nicotine, also have non-toxic amounts of diethylene glycol and ingredients used in FDA-approved nicotine cessation products. In April of 2011, the FDA announced it will regulate e-cigarettes as it currently regulates traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products.

The senate version of the bill, SB440, passed the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee on Thursday, March 13 but has yet to be scheduled for a floor vote. The Assembly bill, AB762, has yet to be voted on. The Assembly wraps up its regular session Thursday, March 20.