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Richmond Votes In Tough Ban On E-Cigarettes

RICHMOND (CBS/AP) – The city of Richmond has voted to ban electronic cigarettes in enclosed public spaces, including fenced parks.

The Richmond City Council voted Tuesday to adopt a new ordinance that would prohibit e-cigarettes. Violations can be met with fines of up to $1,000,

City leaders and health advocates believe the smokeless devices may be dangerous to smokers and those around them. E-cigarettes allow users to inhale nicotine vapor instead of tobacco fumes. They are not yet regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration agency.

E-cigarette sales surged from about 50,000 in 2008 to 3.5 million in 2012, and the number of children who reported trying the product has increased, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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