Discussion: Can You Vape in Public Places?

As consumers become increasingly aware of electronic cigarette products, e-cigarettes have become a new favorite among smokers as a substitute for traditional tobacco, thanks to their lack of open flames and tar. However, some users have been using e-cigarettes in public areas, causing unnecessary impacts on non-smokers.
 
On August 2, a woman was seen vaping on Shanghai Airlines flight FM9235, sparking heated discussions online. Similarly, on July 31, a woman was involved in a dispute with a fellow passenger while vaping on the Beijing subway. Once again, e-cigarettes have been thrust into the spotlight of public opinion. The question of whether e-cigarettes can be used in public places has become a major concern for many netizens.

On April 23, the "Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Smoking Control Regulations (Revised Draft for Public Consultation)" was publicly soliciting opinions, proposing to include e-cigarettes in the smoking control scope. In early 2019, the latest smoking control regulations in Hangzhou stated that smoking areas not only prohibit the lighting of traditional tobacco products but also include e-cigarettes in the ban. Similarly, e-cigarettes are also prohibited in Hong Kong and Macau.

According to statistics, over 40 countries and regions worldwide have banned or restricted the use of e-cigarettes in public places. In Sweden, starting from July 2019, smoking traditional tobacco and e-cigarettes in outdoor public areas has been prohibited, covering outdoor service areas of cafes and restaurants, public playgrounds, bus stops, train stations, sports venues, and entrances to public buildings. In the Philippines, using e-cigarettes in public places can lead to a maximum of four months in prison.

Two e-cigarette users violated regulations set by relevant authorities. According to the "Notice from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Maintaining Civil Aviation Order and Ensuring Aviation Transport Safety," "smoking (including e-cigarettes)" is explicitly listed as one of the prohibited behaviors on aircraft.

According to the latest news, the Beijing subway authorities have updated relevant regulations to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes on the subway.

Regarding the topic of "Can you vape in public places?" without a national standard yet issued and relevant departments not making a clear judgment on its emissions, e-cigarettes, as a new phenomenon, have not been accepted by everyone. For non-smokers, the vapor produced by e-cigarettes can have adverse effects on both their physiological and psychological well-being. Therefore, I urge all e-cigarette users not to use e-cigarette products in public places.