If Houston City Council passes adding e-cigs and vape products to the city's smoking ordinance, that change would go into effect immediately.
HOUSTON, Texas -- E-cigarettes don't currently fall under Houston's smoking ordinance, but they could soon be.
On Wednesday, Houston City Council will discuss adding e-cigarettes and vaping products to the smoking ordinance. If passed, it would go into effect immediately. Dr. Lindy McGee, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, said the toxic chemicals in vaping can create risks for all ages. She also emphasized concern for teenagers and adults.
"Youth smoking was going down, down, down, and then the vaping industry came along," said McGee."In 2018, we had 25% of teenagers saying that they had vaped within the last 30 days. That's gone down a little bit, but it's still not where we want it to be."