Base smoking policy includes e-cigarettes Published May 12, 2014 By Kimberly Woodruff Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- E-cigarettes are a fast growing, multi-billion dollar industry, touted as a "healthier alternative" to smoking tobacco. The jury is still out on that claim, but as more and more people take up vaping it is important to keep in mind the rules for smoking e-cigarettes on base. In accordance with AFI 40-102, Tobacco Use in the Air Force, smoking including but not limited to the use of cigars, cigarettes, "e-cigarettes", stem pipes, water pipes, and hookahs is prohibited in government buildings. To maintain a smoke free environment that promotes the health and wellness of our personnel at Tinker AFB, a smoke free corridor to enter the buildings should be 50 feet from all installation public facilities, and a minimum of 25 feet of all other facilities. E-cigarettes are not restricted to Designated Tobacco Areas and are allowed to be used outdoors. They are to be used at a reasonable distance from building entry/egress points and users should not gather around these areas to prevent second hand exposure to passersby. What is vaping? An e-cigarette is similar to a regular cigarette, but is battery operated with an atomizer that heats a liquid in the cartridge that contains nicotine, turning it into a vapor that one inhales. An important thing to note is that e-cigarettes are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. "Anyone who wants to start vaping needs to talk with their doctor first," said Laura Crowder, Health Promotion manager at Tinker's Health and Wellness Center. "The doctor will look at family history, and if a person has a family history of lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, or cancer, vaping can actually increase the risk." It should be noted that secondhand exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Researchers with the Centers for Disease Control are finding that e-cigarette users experience diminished lung function, and difficulty with airway resistance. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, but not tobacco. The amount of nicotine varies by user, so it is difficult to gauge how much nicotine one is receiving. Too much nicotine is bad for the body as it doesn't process well. In an article written May 23, 2014, Dr. Lee Cantrell, director of the San Diego division of Poison Control System and Professor of Pharmacy at the University of California, said even a small dose of e-liquid is dangerous. "Less than 1 tablespoon of many of the e-liquids can kill an adult, and as little as a teaspoon could kill a child," he said, adding that it can also be harmful if absorbed into the skin. According to the CDC, the number of calls to Poison Control Centers regarding e-cigarettes rose sharply between September 2010 and February 2014, from as little as one call a month to as many as 215 calls a month. Half of the calls involved accidental poisoning of children under the age of 5. Vaping is still relatively new and there isn't a lot of research out there to say for sure that e-cigarettes will help a person stop smoking. Also, there is not enough research to gauge the effects the carcinogens have on the brain, heart, lungs and kidneys. Although somewhat less toxic, e-cigarettes are addictive and potentially harmful, so before vaping, check with a doctor to weigh the risks and make an informed decision. Call the HAWC at 734-5506 for other alternatives to quit smoking.