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Hillsboro proposes smoking ban in all city parks  

For years, Pam Kramer has attended Hillsboro's concerts in the park. They're fun, she says, but the event has always been spoiled for her by cigarette smokers.

"People get up and they smoke ... and the air drifts, and all you do is smell their smoke," Kramer told the Hillsboro City Council recently. "Something has to be done. Not just one or two people are affected. Everybody sits in a crowd, like 75 people or more."

The council will vote Tuesday night on an ordinance that would ban tobacco products in all city parks, including those owned by Metro but operated by the city.

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VIDEO: Impaired smokers main cause of fires started by cigarettes  

Local firefighters were out for the second day of Fire Prevention Week, letting people know about the dangers of cigarette fires.

According to new research, simple carelessness is not the main cause of cigarette fires.

Fire Marshal Joe Pedrola says smokers impaired from things like drugs, both prescription and illegal, alcohol or fatigue are most likely to cause cigarette fires.

Many people fall asleep on beds and couches while smoking and those materials are highly combustible.

"Oregon safe cigarette law which was enacted about a year ago kind of took care of part of this problem because any cigarettes that are sold in the state of Oregon have to self extinguish," said Pedrola.

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DANIELS: Ban second hand smoke 

Walking to class is becoming a life-or-death adventure as the dangers of secondhand smoke are becoming more of a priority to Oregonians, with college campuses and parks going smoke-free. . . .

While it's a person's right to choose to smoke, it is also a person's right to choose not to smoke. It is unfair to for a person to inhale secondhand smoke when they have chosen not to do it firsthand. Some people suffer from severe asthma or respiratory problems, so while inhaling secondhand smoke has been proven to be dangerous in a healthy non-smoker, it is especially risky for those with serious health problems.

So how do we solve this problem? Should we support one person's freedom while ignoring another's? No. What it comes down to is health. The concerns and major health issues linked to secondhand smoking are prominent issues, and the health of the citizens should be the city's main concern. Thus, the best solution is to designate certain areas for smoking that are well-ventilated so as not to affect the health of those who choose not to smoke.

So, while you may still be able to smoke in Portland public parks, stay away from playgrounds. The next time you reach into your pocket to light up a cigarette, think first. Think about what you are doing to the environment, other people, children and animals. Think about what you are doing to yourself the next time you reach for that cigarette. Is it worth it? You decide.

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Casino smoking battle stalls 

Looking to avoid a legal fight to force a smoking ban in Oregon's nine tribal casinos, the American Lung Association of Oregon has withdrawn its demand that Gov. Ted Kulongoski impose such a prohibition and has fired the lawyer behind its now-abandoned strategy.

The course reversal comes two weeks after the association's Portland lawyer, John DiLorenzo, sent a letter on the association's behalf calling on the governor to extend to the casinos a statewide smoking ban in place since January for non-tribal bars and taverns.

Despite the American Lung Association of Oregon's move, a spokeswoman said Kulongoski still plans to speak with leaders of Oregon's nine federally represented tribes about ensuring that casino workers and visitors are protected as much as possible from second-hand smoke.

In a letter made public Tuesday, the association said its mission "was misrepresented" by DiLorenzo; rather than "demand action," the Lung Association intended "to make an inquiry" about the governor's support for ending smoking in the casinos.

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EDITORIAL: Candy and cigarettes 

Is there a symbiotic relationship between candy and cigarettes? It almost seems so.

The ties that bind these oral temptations were in the news again this month when the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of flavored cigarettes. It was the agency's first big move since Congress authorized it, within limits, to regulate tobacco products. . . .

Another example of mixing tobacco and sugar was brought to our attention by Oregon's junior senator, Jeff Merkley. When he was visiting several weeks ago, he pulled out a tin of candies, each containing a small amount of dissolvable tobacco.

This product has been test-marketed in several places around the country, including Portland. . . .

"Disolvable tobacco products such as Camel Orbs�… come in mint and caramel flavors and look like the candies that come out of a PEZ-type dispenser.�… Rather than the traditional smokeless tin that leaves a noticeable 'ring' in one's back pocket, these products look like cell phones in a student's pocket.

"We believe these products are being used as a gateway to addict children to nicotine and graduate them to cigarettes and other tobacco products. In addition, dissolvable tobacco products are being used to discourage current smokers, both youth and adult, from quitting. These types of products allow children to continue their addiction to nicotine when they are in smoke-free places such as classrooms."

That is not the kind of innovation America needs to stay competitive in the age of globalization.

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EDITORIAL: Candy and cigarettes  

Is there a symbiotic relationship between candy and cigarettes? It almost seems so.

The ties that bind these oral temptations were in the news again this month when the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of flavored cigarettes. It was the agency’s first big move since Congress authorized it, within limits, to regulate tobacco products.

Many are not even aware that they make cigarettes with strawberry, chocolate or other flavoring. At one point, R.J. Reynolds put out Twista Lime, Kauai Kolada and Warm Winter Toffee as part of its Camel Exotic Blends. Yuck.

But some younger people think these things are great. “These flavored cigarettes are a gateway for many children and young adults to become regular smokers,” FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said. . . .

Another example of mixing tobacco and sugar was brought to our attention by Oregon’s junior senator, Jeff Merkley. When he was visiting several weeks ago, he pulled out a tin of candies, each containing a small amount of dissolvable tobacco.

This product has been test- marketed in several places around the country, including Portland. Merkley and Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio won unanimous Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approval of an amendment directing the FDA to refer to the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee “the issue of the nature and impact of the use of dissolvable tobacco products on the public health, including such use among children.” Their amendment was attached to the bill granting the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products. . . .

That is not the kind of innovation America needs to stay competitive in the age of globalization.

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Smoking Banned Campus Wide At Some Oregon Colleges 

Smoking is banned inside virtually every public building in the Northwest. Now, students and staff at two Oregon community colleges won't be able to light up anywhere on campus -- not even outside or in their cars.

Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman has more on what could be the next wave of anti-smoking policies. . . .

But the new policies go too far, says one smokers' rights group.

George Koodray of The Smokers Club says the argument that second-hand smoke is harmful is irrelevant if someone is smoking by themselves inside their car:

George Koodray: "This is simply a policy now of incredible intolerance for a legal activity of which there is no perceivable adverse impact on anyone else."

But Oregon Coast Community College President Pat O'Connor says there are other issues besides second-hand smoke.

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It's official: PCC is now tobacco free  

Portland Community College isn't the first to do it. And by all indications, it won't be the last. But PCC is by far the largest institution of higher education in the state. So when the Board of Directors announced that PCC would become tobacco-free today Sept. 9, 2009, it was big news.

"This is something we have been working toward for a long time," said District President Preston Pulliams. "Students have asked for this. Staff and faculty have asked for this. It was the right time to make PCC a healthier place."

The new policy is in effect on all campuses, training centers and locations, both indoors and out. The decision followed a lengthy survey of staff, faculty and students and was presented to the PCC Board, which weighed the responses and the college's mission to provide a healthy and safe environment for the entire community and anyone who visits PC

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Roseburg-area UCC goes tobacco free  

WINCHESTER — When Umpqua Community College students return to the classroom in a few weeks, the air on campus is bound to be a bit cleaner, less odorous, and perhaps a little less toxic.

All because the campus is going tobacco free beginning the first day of fall term, Sept. 28.

A new campus procedure will prohibit students and staff from lighting up cigarettes or sticking dips of chewing tobacco behind their lips anywhere inside the perimeter of the campus. Those who break the rule will be fined.

“I think what the college is trying to do is provide a healthier environment for students and staff,” said Steve Buchko, UCC director of safety, security and custodial services.

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Oregon Sues Electronic Cigarette Maker 

Weeks after reaching a settlement with three retailers to block sale of the electronic cigarette NJOY, the state of Oregon is taking another e-cigarette maker to court.

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger is suing Smoking Everywhere, alleging that the Florida-based e-cigarette company made false health claims about its nicotine delivery device and targeted children with sweet flavors such as bubblegum, chocolate and cookies 'n' cream.

Electronic cigarettes are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and some contain known carcinogens. Even so, they are advertised on radio and television, where tobacco cigarettes have been banned from the airwaves for three decades.

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Kroger sues e-cigarette company, settles with others 

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against a Florida-based "electronic cigarette" company over allegations it targeted children with false health claims.

The lawsuit alleges Smoking Everywhere has marketed its e-cigarettes as safe and harmless, although the company has not provided evidence the products are safe, according to Kroger.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that provides inhaled doses of nicotine by delivering a vaporized liquid nicotine solution.

"It's my duty to protect the public from products that are falsely advertised as safe," Kroger said.

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Bar owners fight effort to cut into their video gambling profits  

Bars and tavern owners told lottery officials Tuesday that the steep drop in money coming into state-run gambling machines has hurt their business, and that reducing the cut they collect from the machines will create more hardship. . . .

But owners said that the recession and statewide smoking ban that started in January have hurt them, and cutting their share of video gambling profits will devastate them.

Ed Fairbank, who owns Crabby's Underground in Pendleton, said he's seen the money he gets from video gambling fall from $66,000 three years ago to $48,000 last year.

"I cannot continue to lose money on lunch while hoping lottery money will make up the difference," Fairbank said. "We're all hanging on to the hope that we don't have to pay any more for the state of Oregon's decision to ban smoking in our business."

Bruce Davis, chairman of the board of Elmer's Restaurants, said lounges at Elmer's that offer the lottery gambling games have cut back their hours by 25 percent in the last two years. But he said the recession and smoking ban don't explain the entire collapse of lottery sales.

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BATES: A welcome Oregon ban on e-cigarettes  

In our view, the FDA should test and regulate "e-cigarettes" no matter how they're marketed. Nobody knows exactly what chemicals the Chinese manufacturers are putting in the liquid in those cartridges, and nobody in their right mind should be inhaling them.

So kudos to Kroger for his action Thursday, the first of its kind in the nation. The settlements prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes in Oregon until they are approved by the FDA, or until a court rules the FDA does not have the authority to regulate electronic cigarettes. But even if courts do decide that the agency doesn't have regulatory authority over e-cigs, the settlements stipulate that they may not be sold in Oregon unless there is "competent and reliable scientific evidence to support the products' safety claims.

In other words, don't look for these noxious products on Oregon store shelves anytime soon.

- Doug Bates, associate editor; dougbates@news.oregonian.com

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• Ore. AG, NY county move to block e-cigarette sales  

The state of Oregon has gone to court to block the sale of electronic cigarettes on the same day that a New York county banned their sale to minors.

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger and Jon Cooper, majority leader of the Suffolk County Legislature on Long Island, N.Y., said Tuesday the lawsuit and the ban are both the first of their kind in the nation.

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices typically made out of plastic designed to look like a traditional cigarette, including a light that simulates its glow.

But instead of tobacco that burns and creates smoke, the "e-cigarettes" use a heating element to vaporize water mixed with ingredients in a disposable cartridge, which can include liquid nicotine.

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E-cigarette company suspends sales in Oregon  

An electronic cigarette manufacturer announced Tuesday it would voluntarily stop selling its products in Oregon, the same day the state sued to keep a Florida company's e-cigarettes off the shelves.

NJOY will temporarily suspend sales of its products in the state in order to "facilitate discussions" with Oregon Attorney General John Kroger, according to a press release from the company.

SmokingEverywhere.com

The announcement came on the same day Kroger had sued to block sales of e-cigarettes by Smoking Everywhere, which made false health claims about nicotine and targeted children with sweet flavors such as bubblegum and chocolate, according to the state's lawsuit.

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