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The Review
page 2
June 30, 2015 OGLE COUNTY
E-cigs banned in public Health official cites increased use among youths BY BRENDEN WEST
OREGON – Effective July 1, Ogle County will prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes – e-cigarettes – in virtually all public and work places. A news release from Joanie Padilla, county director of Health Edu-
cation/Emergency Preparedness, cited a growing trend of youths using e-cigarettes. The ban expands on the Smoke-Free Illinois Act passed in 2008. It disallows smoking, and now “vaping,� in offices, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions,
schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers, retail stores, restaurants, bars, private clubs and gaming facilities. A first-time violation will result in a $100 citation for the offender and a $250 citation for a business. Second
DIXON PETUNIA FESTIVAL
Putting the petals to the metal
offenses will be $250 and $500. Businesses will be subjected to a $2,500 fine for “subsequent offenses within one year for not taking steps to prevent the use of smoking,� according to the news release. E-cigarettes heat a liquid solution that contains “propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine and flavorings,� the news release says. Users inhale the substance to simulate cigarette smoking. “The health effects of e-cigarettes are not wellunderstood,� the news release says. “According to the World Health Organization, e-cigarettes are probably less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but the level of risk reduction is unknown. It could take years to discover if e-cigarettes vapors cause cancer or other diseases. The ban on e-ciga-
rettes in public places is a precautionary measure to protect nonsmokers from exposure to nicotine and other toxicants.� Padilla said via email that Chicago and “many of its suburbs� have adopted similar policies, adding the Illinois General Assembly is considering adding it to the SFIA. The ordinance covers all places in Ogle County where traditional smoking products are banned. “We introduced it to the Board of Health in May unofficially, and officially in June,� Padilla wrote in her email. “This ordinance mirrors the Smoke-Free
Illinois Act in every way, except that it also bans electronic nicotine devices every place where traditional tobacco is banned.� The release reports use of e-cigarettes among youth tripled from 2013 to 2014. Padilla said that was the ultimate motivating factor for the ordinance. “I believe that the increase in e-cigarette devices among our youth and the emerging evidence suggesting youth are more likely to consider a traditional tobacco product after using an e-cigarette was a key factor,� she wrote.
For more information Questions regarding the ordinance may be directed to Joanie Padilla, county director of Health Education/ Emergency Preparedness, at jpadilla@oglecounty.org or 815-732-7330, ext. 279. More information is available on the Ogle County Health Department website, accessible via oglecounty.org.
FUN ACCESSIBLE TO ALL IN ROCK FALLS
Alex T. Paschal
Centennial Park visitors Kiersten Bontz (left), 7, Torrie Nelson, 10, and Paige Bontz, 10, and Coloma Park District intern Jake Smith check out a new wheelchair swing Wednesday in Rock Falls. The swing, donated to the park by the Dixon Elks Club, was made possible through the Illinois Elks Association Child Care Corporation.
An eye exam is a good idea, especially if things are starting to look a little fuzzy around the edges.
Dr. Kurt K. Nelson Optometrist
. 'ALENA !VENUE $IXON )LLINOIS s
Member of the American Optometric Association. Therapeutic Licensed.
Alex T. Paschal
Josh Tegeler (left) and Todd Steder hang a pair of petunia baskets Thursday along Peoria Avenue in downtown Dixon. The town’s favorite flower will take center stage, along with bands, activities and much more, when the Dixon Petunia Festival comes to town next week. The festival runs from Wednesday, July 1-Sunday, July 5.
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