News
Millard school board proposes ban on e-cigarettes
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Omaha World-Herald
A ban on electronic cigarettes is in the works at the Millard Public Schools.
Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery-operated and deliver nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the devices turn chemicals, including highly addictive nicotine, into an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Manufacturers pitch them as a smoke-free way to satisfy the urge for nicotine.
Such devices as well as machines that vaporize chemicals for inhaling would be banned from all schools and school-related activities under policy changes proposed by the school board Monday night.
The ban would apply to parents, teachers, students and contractors, said Bill Jelkin, director of student services.
The proposal would include nicotine in the same category as alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs in the district’s substance abuse policy.
Millard hasn’t yet seen the explosion of e-cigarettes that schools in states such as California have, “but it’s probably headed our way,” Jelkin said.
Some adults have been seen smoking e-cigarettes at school events, he said.
School officials are also concerned about students using vaporizing devices to blend the active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, with flavorings.
