Germanna bans vaping on campus

GERMANNA BANS VAPING ON CAMPUS

If you’ve got ‘em, don’t vape ‘em.

Germanna Community College has banned “vaping” on campus.

During a meeting at the college's Stafford Automotive Center, GCC’s Local College Board voted Thursday evening to ban the use of electronic cigarettes in campus buildings and within 25 feet of entrances and exits.

Germanna President David A. Sam noted that many believe use of e-cigarettes to be healthier than tobacco, but there’s debate about whether it’s safe. Some say it's helped them quit smoking tobacco.

Dr. Jeanne Wesley, GCC’s Vice President for Workforce, told the board that there have been complaints about students vaping.

She didn’t speculate about safety, but said: “I can tell you one thing. They stink.”

A heating element powered by a battery allows e-cigarettes to atomize a flavored liquid solution that often includes nicotine, creating aerosol instead of smoke. 
According to Americans for Nonsmokers Rights, 587 U.S. campuses banned vaping as of Jan. 1.

Only e-cigarettes that are marketed for therapeutic purposes are regulated by the FDA. The agency has proposed a rule that would extend its authority to cover e-cigarettes. Congressional Republicans oppose the change.

The new Germanna ban also includes clove and herbal cigarettes. A ban on tobacco smoking at GCC had already been in effect.