health
Government proposes e-cigarette ban on airplanes
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 26, 2011
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Sept. 14 that the Dept. of Transportation wants to ban electronic cigarettes on aircraft.
The proposal calls for amending the airline smoking rule to prohibit e-cigarettes and similar products. The agency said it is taking the action to avoid confusion about whether its ban on tobacco products includes e-cigarettes. The proposal would apply to flights to and from the United States.
"Airline passengers have rights, and this new rule would enhance passenger comfort and reduce any confusion surrounding the use of electronic cigarettes in flight," LaHood said.
Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted through Nov. 14 (link).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/26/hlbf0926.htm.