As evidence grows that e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems carry their own health risks, St. Mary's Health Care System is expanding its tobacco-free policy to include vaping equipment and products.

ENDS solutions contain chemicals that are known to be dangerous, including anti-freeze and substances capable of causing cancer such as nitrosamines. In addition, most ENDS solutions contain nicotine, which is proven to be dangerous to adults, adolescents, children, and especially to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Not only is it highly addictive, it is toxic to developing fetuses, damaging their brains and lungs.

"Everyone has a right to clean air," said Titus Gambrell, DNP, interim director of nursing. "That's why, for the health of our patients, staff and community, St. Mary's has been a tobacco-free campus since 2009. We have added language about ENDS because more people are using e-cigarettes and many have the mistaken belief that e-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes. They're not."

The policy applies to all buildings and grounds owned or leased by St. Mary's, including its hospitals in Athens, Lavonia and Greensboro, Highland Hills Village retirement community, Hospice House, outpatient center, wound care center, and physician practices.

ENDS devices are often marketed as a "safer" alternative to smoking, a way to quit smoking cigarettes, and a way to smoke in places where cigarette smoking is not allowed, said Rory Mathisen, St. Mary's manager of community benefit and outreach. But evidence shows they pose serious health risks of their own and, because they contain nicotine, may be just as addictive as traditional tobacco products.

In addition, Mathisen said, e-cigarettes can harm people who aren't using them:

• Poisoning: Nationwide, a number of cases of nicotine poisoning have been reported because of drinking e-cigarette liquid. In addition, the liquid can be absorbed through the skin.

• Second-hand smoke: E-cigarette vapors contain nicotine and aerosols from the burning of ENDS fluids. Health officials advise that second-hand e-vapors can be hazardous to non-vaping family members, friends, and the general public.

The ENDS ban has another goal, Mathisen noted: to help people quit.

"The primary purpose of smoke-free laws and policies is to protect people who do not smoke from second-hand smoke," he said. "However, the Centers for Disease Control states that smoke-free laws can also provide motivation that helps tobacco users quit – especially employees of organizations with tobacco-free policies."

Mathisen said evidence also shows that smoke-free laws and policies can increase the number of people who not only want to quit, but who succeed in quitting. Furthermore, smoke-free laws and policies have been shown to reduce the number of young people who start smoking.

St. Mary's Respiratory Services Department offers help to people who are ready to quit smoking completely. Twice a year, the department offers the American Lung Association Freedom from Smoking program. Led by respiratory therapist and ex-smoker Todd Drake, the eight-week course helps people understand the reasons they smoke, make a clean break, and support each other in fighting their addiction to live a healthier life. For more information, call 706.389.2915.

"By including ENDS in St. Mary's tobacco-free policy, we are promoting the health of our patients, visitors, and employees," Gambrell said. "At the same time, we are continuing to be a community leader in providing a safe environment free from second-hand smoke and all types of tobacco use. We challenge businesses, churches, governments, and other organizations to join us."