The local board of education believes there is no place for electronic cigarettes anywhere near local schools.

That was the sentiment expressed at a recent meeting.

School board trustees and senior administration agreed that the district should be smoke-free, smokeless tobacco-free, and electronic smoking products-free. Therefore, the use of any of these products is prohibited.

E-cigarettes work on a battery-operated delivery system with a micro-chip and atomizer that vaporizes a liquid chemical solution to mimic the appearance of smoke.

Opponents of e-cigarettes argue that the chemicals may cause cancer or lung irritations. They also fear that e-cigarette flavours such as chocolate, candy and fruit appeal to youth, making this product a gateway to smoking.

Manufacturers of e-cigarettes claim they can help people stop smoking.

Rob Parker, medical health officer for Interior Health, said they have received a number of reports of e-cigarette use at schools.

“Like conventional tobacco products, e-cigarettes do not belong in the school environment,” said Parker.

School board chair Marieze Tarr said e-cigarettes are not a problem in School District 53.

Marcus Toneatto, principal of Southern Okanagan Secondary School, said he hasn’t seen anyone using e-cigarettes at all.

Osoyoos school trustee June Harrington said she has read so many articles opposed to e-cigarettes.

“I didn’t realize how harmful they were,” said Harrington.

It was a very easy decision to vote against allowing e-cigarettes on school property, she said.

Parker said e-cigarettes containing nicotine are not authorized for sale in Canada, but are readily available on the Internet.

Concerns about the safety of e-cigarettes have prompted Health Canada and the World Health Organization to warn consumers against using them.

Parker said exposure to e-cigarette vapours may put the health of students and staff at risk. He also noted there is no established evidence that e-cigarettes are an effective smoking-cessation tool.

Parker said students or staff who want to quit smoking should speak to their doctor or pharmacist.

LYONEL DOHERTY

Special to the Times