NPS bans e-cig use in U.S. national parks

U.S. National Park Service (NPS) director Jonathan Jarvis on Sept. 14 issued a policy memorandum prohibiting the use of electronic smoking devices in all places where the use of traditional tobacco products is already prohibited in national parks. The policy is effective immediately.

“Protecting the health and safety of our visitors and employees is one of the most critical duties of the National Park Service,” said Jarvis. “We are therefore extending the restrictions currently in place protecting visitors and employees from exposure to tobacco smoke to include exposure to vapor from electronic smoking devices.”

The new NPS policy bans the use of electronic smoking devices within all facilities and vehicles that are government-owned or leased, and within all national park concessions facilities.