Snohomish County expected to push for public vaping ban

EVERETT — The Snohomish Health District is expected to push for a ban on use of electronic cigarettes in public places, following questions from business owners over whether vaping is allowed.

The public health agency will probably schedule several public meetings this spring on the issue, said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer for the Snohomish Health District.

The rules would be the same as those that already apply statewide on products like cigarettes and cigars, he said. The new measure is needed because electronic cigarettes aren’t covered by that law, although individual businesses can ban vaping on their premises, Goldbaum said.

“It’s really just been over the last year that I’ve witnessed much real interest in trying to regulate these devices,” he said.

The Snohomish Health District has gotten some complaints from the public and questions from business owners asking if electronic cigarettes are allowed, said Aran Enger, a senior environmental health specialist at the health district.

In one case, a business was demonstrating vaping products inside the Everett Mall, he said. There is nothing in current regulations to prohibit that, he said.

Heather Thomas, a health district spokeswoman, said a coworker was at a movie theater and and saw someone vaping who said they technically had the right to do so in public. However, they agreed to extinguish it, she said.

“We realize this will be a sensitive topic,” Thomas said. “We’re just looking out for the public well being. If someone chooses to vape, they can do it in private space, but not in public.”

King, Pierce, Grant and Pasco counties currently have bans on public use of electronic cigarettes, but a number of other counties have plans to do so, Thomas said.

Joe Baba, owner of Tobacco Joes, which sells electronic cigarettes, doesn’t have an immediate position on the proposed local ban on vaping in public places.

When public meetings are held on the issue, “we would have a presence there,” he said.

Baba noted that there are several bills in the Legislature regarding regulation of electronic cigarettes. These include prohibiting businesses from selling vaping products online; ensuring child-safe packaging; restricting marketing and sales activities targeted at youth; and increasing taxes on vaping products.

Baba said electronic cigarette businesses encourage responsible legislation to prevent access to minors. But he said the industry feels as if “we have a target on our back.”

People who use electronic cigarettes “are sensitive to public perception and how not to blow a cloud of vapor into somebody’s face in a park,” he said.

Electronic cigarettes typically are equipped with a battery, an atomizer and a cartridge of liquid nicotine. There are more than 400 brands of electronic cigarettes and liquid nicotine comes in more than 7,000 flavors, according to the health district.

The devices, which can be purchased online, are not regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration, although last year the American Lung Association joined other public heath and medical groups in calling for such action.

The proposed ban on use of electronic cigarettes in public follows an announcement last week by Gov. Jay Inslee of a statewide survey showing eighth and 10th grade students are more than twice as likely to be vaping than smoking cigarettes.

Preliminary results from the 2014 Healthy Youth survey show 8.5 percent of eighth graders, 18 percent of high school sophomores and 23 percent of high school seniors reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, Inslee said.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen goes through an informational slideshow about the current budget situation in Edmonds during a roundtable event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor recommends $19M levy lid lift for November

The city’s biennial budget assumed a $6 million levy lid lift. The final levy amount is up to the City Council.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

A firefighting helicopter carries a bucket of water from a nearby river to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Snohomish County property owners can prepare for wildfire season

Clean your roofs, gutters and flammable material while completing a 5-foot-buffer around your house.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

Bar manager Faith Britton pours a beer for a customer at the Madison Avenue Pub in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Burgers, brews and blues: Madison Avenue Pub has it all

Enjoy half-price burgers on Tuesday, prime rib specials and live music at the Everett mainstay.

WSU and Providence partner for Everett fellowship program

Two fellows per year will train at intensive care units in Providence Regional Medical Center Everett starting in 2026.

Ian Terry / The Herald

Rose Freeman (center) and Anastasia Allison play atop Sauk Mountain near Concrete on Thursday, Oct. 5. The pair play violin and piano together at sunrise across the Cascades under the name, The Musical Mountaineers.

Photo taken on 10052017
Adopt A Stream Foundation hosts summer concert on June 14

The concert is part of the nonprofit’s effort to raise $1.5 million for a new Sustainable Ecosystem Lab.

Izaac Escalante-Alvarez unpacks a new milling machine at the new Boeing machinists union’s apprentice training center on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists union training center opens in Everett

The new center aims to give workers an inside track at Boeing jobs.

Edie Carroll trims plants at Baker's Acres Nursery during Sorticulture on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sorticulture, Everett’s garden festival, is in full swing

The festival will go through Sunday evening and has over 120 local and regional vendors.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.