What does the term inhalant delivery system include?
According to policy order number 2015-011, inhalant delivery systems include any device that can be used to deliver nicotine in the form of a vapor or aerosol to a person inhaling from the device; or a component of a device described above or a substance in any form sold for the purpose of being vaporized or aerosolized by a device described in the policy order, whether the component or substance is sold separately or is not sold separately. An inhalant delivery system does not include any product that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product or for any other therapeutic purpose, if the product is marketed and sold solely for the approved purpose.
Does this policy mean my customers can no longer vape in my business?
Yes, this law prohibits the use of inhalant delivery systems indoors and within ten (10) feet of doors, windows that open, and air intake vents.
I own a vape shop. Does this policy mean I have to close my business?
Nothing in the law requires places that sell inhalant delivery systems to close their businesses. This law means that the use of inhalant delivery systems indoors and within 10 feet of doors, windows that open, or air intake vents is prohibited, including sampling.
Can I allow sampling of inhalant delivery systems or e-liquid in my business?
No. This law prohibits the use of inhalant delivery systems indoors and within ten (10) feet of doors, windows that open and air intake vents.
I am a vape shop owner. Can I allow patrons to sample outside my store?
This law prohibits the use of inhalant delivery systems indoors and within ten (10) feet of doors, windows that open and air intake vents.
Am I required to posts signs on my business that vaping is no longer allowed?
The Multnomah County Health Department will begin a rule-making process in the next several months that will determine enforcement and other requirements. In the meantime, the county has signs that are available for businesses to post that reflect no smoking or vaping inside or within 10 feet of doors, windows that open, or air intake vents.
I own a convenience store. Do I need to post signs that we don't sell to minors?
The Multnomah County Health Department will begin a rule-making process in the next several months that will determine enforcement and requirements. In the meantime, the county has identified signs that are available to store owners that reflect no sale of electronic cigarettes to minors.
Do I need to verify the age of someone purchasing an inhalant delivery system?
Yes. This law prohibits the sale of inhalant delivery systems to anyone under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to verify the age of someone purchasing these products.
I own a restaurant and have an outdoor patio area. Can I allow my customers to vape out there?
This law prohibits the use of inhalant delivery systems indoors and within ten (10) feet of doors, windows that open and air intake vents.
How old do you have to be in order to purchase an inhalant delivery system/e-cigarette in Multnomah County?
18 years old.
Do I have to be 18 to buy e-liquid or the components of an inhalant delivery system?
Yes. According to policy order number 2015-011, inhalant delivery systems include any device that can be used to deliver nicotine in the form of vapor or aerosol to a person inhaling from the device; or a component of a device described above or a substance in any form sold for the purpose of being vaporized or aerosolized by a device described in this section, whether the component or substance is sold separately or is not sold separately.
What are the consequences for not following the law?
The Multnomah County Health Department will begin a rule-making process in the next several months that will determine enforcement. For more information on how to become involved in the process, please contact the Tobacco Prevention & Education Program staff by phone: 503.988.4163, option 3, or email: hlth.tobacco.prevention@multco.us
Who's enforcing the law?
The Multnomah County Health Department will begin a rule-making process in the next several months that will determine enforcement. For more information on how to become involved in the process, please contact the Tobacco Prevention & Education Program staff by phone: 503.988.4163, option 3, or email: hlth.tobacco.prevention@multco.us
My teen just purchased an e-cigarette from a store down the street. How do I report this?
The Multnomah County Health Department will begin a rule-making process in the next several months that will determine enforcement. For more information on how to become involved in the process, please contact the Tobacco Prevention & Education Program staff by phone: 503.988.4163, option 3, or email: hlth.tobacco.prevention@multco.us
Who can I talk to about this law?
You may contact the Tobacco Prevention & Education by phone: 503.988.4163, option 3, or email: hlth.tobacco.prevention@multco.us
Why is the county banning the use of inhalant delivery systems in businesses?
E-Cigarettes pose a potential health risk. As the Local Public Health Authority, Multnomah County is responsible for the health of the community. Currently, there are no rules around the manufacture, packaging, sale, or use of e-cigarette devices or e-liquid. So the public does not know what ingredients are in the products, or the potential health effects of the ingredients themselves or in combination. In addition to nicotine, studies have found harmful or potentially harmful chemicals including diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical found in antifreeze and formaldehyde. Depending on the device, harmful lead, cadmium and nickel can also be present.
Why is the law in effect before rules have been established?
There currently are similar bills in the 2015 legislative session regulating the use of inhalant delivery systems. Those bills are still being considered. In an effort to be mindful of public resources, the county wants to ensure alignment of enforcement and other requirements relating to inhalant delivery systems.
