Two months into a new policy banning smoking from submarines, smokers are turning to electronic cigarettes to make the transition.
The new policy banning cigarette smoking was put into effect Jan. 1st after a 2009 study found unacceptable levels of secondhand smoke when the subs were submerged. It is similar to other recent smoking bans in indoor areas such as base office buildings.
“This environment where our sailors are breathing air that’s recirculated makes it unique,” said Cmdr. Christy Hagen, spokeswoman for the Navy’s Submarine Force Pacific in Hawaii. “The policy was necessary in order to protect the health of all submariners.”
Life can be hard on a submariner where deep under the ocean surface for months at a time inside a metal tube. Families feel even farther away with long stretches without access to phones or email. Before the smoking ban, 30 to 50 percent of ship crew were smokers.
Fortunately, submariners aren’t required to go cold turkey. Nicotine is still allowed in the form of electronic cigarettes, patches, gum and chewing tobacco. For many, the most difficult adjustment seems to be the loss of regular visits to the smoke pit to break in their day. This is where electronic cigarettes provide a welcome alternative.
“Without the e-cig I would be completely on edge or gaining weight from overeating. It’s not like there are many distractions down there”, says Lieutenant David Hunley.
Smoking is still allowed at the discretion of individual commanders on the sub deck while surfacing and in ports.source article: www.vaporacademy.com
1 comments:
Lol at => "Without the e-cig I would be completely on edge or gaining weight from overeating." I kept wondering what marines would be doing down below in their subs for hours.. I mean if it was me, I would die of boredom or get obese from eating. Anyways, I was wondering if it is banned now even for the military? it would be good that e cigarettes are not banned there.
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