How to Formulate an Effective E-Cigarette Policy in the Workplace

Author: Stefan H. Black, FordHarrison LLP

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a smokeless alternative to traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes use a battery to heat a flavored liquid that usually contains nicotine. The heated liquid becomes a vapor that the user inhales. The use of e-cigarettes, which is called vaping, does not involve the burning of tobacco. Consequently, the vapor produced by e-cigarettes does not include the tars, carbon monoxide and other dangerous chemicals that are contained in tobacco smoke.

As e-cigarettes become more popular, employers must decide whether to allow employees to use e-cigarettes in the workplace. This decision is made all the more difficult by the lack of consensus within the scientific community regarding the health risks posed by e-cigarettes.

This How To will discuss how an employer should go about formulating an effective e-cigarette policy.