Vaporizers - poll

[k3am]

Are ecigs/vaporizers acceptable in the work place?

And would you have a problem with it if someone was "smoking" one?

Does anyone know the effects of second hand esmoking? (If that's a thing)

Co-worker about 30 feet away consistently is smoking a strawberry vaporizer. It may or may not have nicotine in it, I don't know these things. Usually it doesn't bother me, but I've got a cold and it's bugging the hell out of me. 

[nismi13]

Where I work, they've banned e-cigarettes to the same extent that regular cigarettes are banned - as in not on the premises. Granted, I work in a Dr's office.. I would ask your supervisor or HR. I am not sure whether there are risks to the second hand smoke, but it's worth asking in case there are risks.

[pitta12]

I think part of the problem with these is that they aren't really regulated so who knows what is in that vapor? It is sort of anybody's guess. I sure don't want to breathe it.

[leap08]

They are not allowed in my workplace and, yes, it would bother me.

[supertrooper1]

Vaporizers are not allowed but ecigs are allowed outside. The ecig users must follow the same policies as regular smokers; 25 feet from doorways outside.

[Deleted]

They are banned at my work- same as regular cigs

[olenka]

My organization regulates air quality for the state, so I am kind of thinking, no, e-cigs would not be allowed in our workplace.

[twinmomma]

I don't understand why anyone would think this is ok. They're the same thing as cigarettes. I'm shocked that it's even an issue you have to think about, honestly.

[thechickencoop]

No. No no no. I've actually never been close enough to someone using one to notice a smell but I cannot, for the life of me, understand why someone would think it's ok to 'smoke' (WTF would it be called?) one in the office. I would be raising hell with HR.

[mustardseed2007]

They are doing what?! I think this must be the same kind of person who uses the fund me website to raise money for their vacation.

[Deleted]

Do not like. 

[seamonster]

Where I work they're treated like regular cigarettes and chewing tobacco -- use is only allowed in designated areas. There are a couple outside smoking areas, but other than those spots, you can't use it onsite.

[jlaok]

Feb 10, 2015 20:02:40 GMT -5 twinmomma said:

I don't understand why anyone would think this is ok. They're the same thing as cigarettes. I'm shocked that it's even an issue you have to think about, honestly.

This is not true.  They are not the same thing as cigarettes.  E-cigs do not deliver nicotine through a combustion system and the toxic chemicals produced by combustion is the primary harm in first and second hand smoke.  That being said, there is not enough research to determine if there are other substances produced from e-cigs that could be harmful to non-smokers exposed to the particles released from an e-cig.  I think it is widely accepted that e-cigs are a better alternative to smokers than traditional cigarettes (ignoring the negatives of nicotine addiction)  I think that most businesses are rightly taking a safe approach which is banning them until the effects are more clearly understood.

[mustardseed2007]

Feb 11, 2015 9:06:00 GMT -5 jlaok said:

Feb 10, 2015 20:02:40 GMT -5 twinmomma said:

I don't understand why anyone would think this is ok. They're the same thing as cigarettes. I'm shocked that it's even an issue you have to think about, honestly.

This is not true.  They are not the same thing as cigarettes.  E-cigs do not deliver nicotine through a combustion system and the toxic chemicals produced by combustion is the primary harm in first and second hand smoke.  That being said, there is not enough research to determine if there are other substances produced from e-cigs that could be harmful to non-smokers exposed to the particles released from an e-cig.  I think it is widely accepted that e-cigs are a better alternative to smokers than traditional cigarettes (ignoring the negatives of nicotine addiction)  I think that most businesses are rightly taking a safe approach which is banning them until the effects are more clearly understood.

Not to mention that exhaling vapor into the air (especially scented vapor) in your WORKPLACE is obnoxious.

I do get that there is some kind of distinction, yet to be fully determined, between e-cigs and cigs, but I think that either common courtesy or at least the knowledge that others would think you are an ass combined with a desire to not be seen as an ass would dictate you not do this at your desk.

[20thirteen]

I have friends who "vape" and my bro has an e-cig. I moreso hate all this new slang and all these people thinking that they're so cool because whatever. I have a hard time not rolling my eyes. Like I have a friend who posts pictures of all his "vapes" like they're his children and then posts selfies while "vaping". Dude, for real, get a job.

Anyway, I'm like 75% sure that someone at my office got fired for using an vaporizer at my job. There isn't an explicit rule on it I don't think which makes me question it, but that dude was also a lazy idiot who couldn't do his job (because he was walking around the office talking to people about "vaping" and then got annoyed when he actually had to sit at his desk and do work).

[k3am]

Well, at least now I know I'm not the only one who thinks this is inappropriate. I'll mention it to HR and see their thoughts.

I figured I must be the only fuddy-duddy concerned about it because we've got about 20 people in the near vicinity, and no one's really complained except to ask why it smells like strawberries.

[twinmomma]

Feb 11, 2015 9:45:17 GMT -5 mustardseed2007 said:

Feb 11, 2015 9:06:00 GMT -5 jlaok said:

This is not true.  They are not the same thing as cigarettes.  E-cigs do not deliver nicotine through a combustion system and the toxic chemicals produced by combustion is the primary harm in first and second hand smoke.  That being said, there is not enough research to determine if there are other substances produced from e-cigs that could be harmful to non-smokers exposed to the particles released from an e-cig.  I think it is widely accepted that e-cigs are a better alternative to smokers than traditional cigarettes (ignoring the negatives of nicotine addiction)  I think that most businesses are rightly taking a safe approach which is banning them until the effects are more clearly understood.

Not to mention that exhaling vapor into the air (especially scented vapor) in your WORKPLACE is obnoxious.

I do get that there is some kind of distinction, yet to be fully determined, between e-cigs and cigs, but I think that either common courtesy or at least the knowledge that others would think you are an ass combined with a desire to not be seen as an ass would dictate you not do this at your desk.

Ok, so scientifically they're not the same. But socially, I think they're the same and you still look like an ass who is smoking at your desk. And why would anyone think that's ok? I don' tcare if it's an e-cig, a vaporizer, a cigarette, a pipe, a scented candle, or incense. That's just dumb to think it would be ok within your work space. 

[kendraj426]

I honestly don't know if they have been banned or not at my workplace, but if someone was doing this in my office, I'd be in with HR faster than you can say 'e-cig'. I have enough trouble breathing without someone blowing smoke or vapor into the air with unknown contents in it.

[anewadventure]

WTAF.
Definitely go to HR. I can't believe this is even an issue. Some people are so entitled.

...to be fair, there is a guy at my work that always cuts his nails as his desk. I mean, it's not affecting my air supply, so not the same, but it's still rude and gross.