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Last updated on Friday, March 4, 2016
(UNDATED) - New federal regulations, banning e-cigarettes from airplanes, were announced Wednesday morning.
The United States Department of Transportation's new rule explicitly bans the use of electronic cigarettes on commercial flights, applying to all scheduled flights of U.S. and foreign carriers involving transportation in, to, and from the U.S.
Department officials say this measure eliminates any confusion between tobacco cigarettes and e-cigs by applying the same restrictions to both.
Officials also say studies show e-cigarette's aerosol can contain a number of harmful chemicals. They're particularly concerned for children, the elderly, and passengers with respiratory issues being exposed to the aerosol within a confined space.
"Anything that you're exposed to, that your neighbor or your spouse or someone sitting next to you is smoking, especially in an enclosed space, is just as dangerous for you," said Karen Elgin, passenger.
The ban does not include the use of medical devices like nebulizers.
More information can be found at: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-explicitly-bans-use-electronic-cigarettes-commercial
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