The Orange County Board of Health will delay the vote on a resolution that would ban all use of electronic cigarettes in bars and restaurants across the county.

“Because the science is so incredibly important to this decision, I would recommend you wait and let some national vetting of this emerging science occur,” said county health director Colleen Bridger.

The Surgeon General is scheduled to release a report on the effects of e-cigarettes in the fall and the board will wait for the results of that report before making a decision.

They will also have an expert look at the report and share their thoughts.

“Little is known about the long term effects of vaping on the lung,” said director of the UNC Center for Tobacco Regulatory Science Rob Tarran. “However, e-cigarettes appear to cause changes in the lung in the gene and protein level consistent with immunosuppression.”

Tarran was in favor of the ban, but his voice was far from the only one heard, as people on both sides of the argument addressed the board.

Those opposed to the ban said the county should let individual businesses choose their own policies and that there was not enough evidence to prove that vapor from these products are harmful.

Vaping products are also commonly used to help tobacco users move away from normal cigarettes.

One resident said the ban would force people trying to quit smoking to be exposed to the cigarettes they are trying to get away from.

“By banning vaping products from area businesses, it forces me outside to be around the smokers, continue the health issues that I already have,” she said.

Those in favor of the ban said allowing it in restaurants and bars would renormalize smoking and influence children to try tobacco products.

East Chapel Hill High School student Sophie Jin said there has been a rise in young people using e-cigarettes and the ban would help solve the problem.

“This rule would restrict health risks in public areas and prevent our future generations to start experimenting with a dangerous product,” she said. “Although advertised as safe and reliable, more and more research has been published that documents harmful effects.”

No date has been set for the next time the board will look at this issue.

Related Stories
‹
Ban Vaping In Orange County Bars And Restaurants?
Should "vaping" be prohibited in the enclosed areas of bars and restaurants? The Board of Health wants your input.
Orange County's Public Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect
HILLSBOROUGH- Starting Monday July 1, you could be fined for smoking outdoors in Orange County. Orange County Commissioners and the Board of Health approved a broad smoking ban last year. Now, following six months of preparation, officials say they’re ready to put it into full effect. The ban prohibits smoking in almost all public outdoor […]
City of Mebane Loosens Water Usage Restrictions, Still Encourages Conservation
As the City of Mebane continues repairs on a water treatment plant, the local government issued an urgent message to residents on Wednesday morning to stop using water amid a drastic shortage.
Orange County Opening Recovery Assistance Center for Storm Victims
Orange County will open a Recovery Assistance Center (RAC) to provide essential services and support for residents affected by Tropical Depression Chantal this week. The center, located at the Drakeford Library Complex at 203 South Greensboro Street in downtown Carrboro, will operate from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. from July 10 through July 12. “The […]
Days After Historic Rain, Chapel Hill and Durham Under Another Flash Flood Warning
Many areas of Orange County, Chatham County and the rest of central North Carolina are again under a flash flood warning on Wednesday.
Orange County: Storm Recovery Continues
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 9th. She discussed the continued recovery from Tropical Depression Chantal. She discussed the stage water restriction in Mebane, which has led to the closure of some of Orange County's large employers. She also talked about services disrupted by the storm, and services the county is providing for folks who have been displaced, and more.
'We Need Help': Orange County Flood Victims Beginning to Pick Up the Pieces
Orange County residents whose homes were flooded during Sunday's storm shared their emotions and what help they need in the aftermath.
Orange County Reports First Fatality From Storm; Shelter Opens for Flood Victims
As the area continues assessing storm damage and waiting for high waters to recede, Orange County opened a public shelter at Smith Middle School.
Local Gov. Services in Orange County Closed on Monday After Flooding, Road Damage
Several typical local government services in Orange County are delayed or closed entirely on Monday, July 7 as the area continues responding and recovering from flash flooding and storm damage from Tropical Depression Chantal. Under the state of emergency issued on Sunday night, the Orange County government said all of its offices and facilities will […]
Mebane, Orange County Warn of Lake Michael Dam Potential Failure Amid Heavy Rain
UPDATE: During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders said the Lake Michael Dam did not fail. Residents in the area, however, are encouraged to remain in higher ground until high waters recede. Below is the initial story published early Monday morning. The City of Mebane warned residents in […]
›