THE use of all e-cigarettes and vaping devices has been banned from all Torfaen Council’s premises and vehicles.

The move comes amid concerns over the safety of the devices, which may contain nicotine, and their impact on the health of both users and passive smokers.

It means that e-cigarettes will be considered in the same way as regular cigarettes by the council workforce.

Their use by members of the public and council staff who are using any Torfaen premises will be prohibited.

Residents will also be required not to use e-cigarettes when meeting with officers and members away from council premises.

E-cigarettes provide the user with a nicotine hit without the use of tobacco.

The users exhale vapour rather than smoke.

The World Health Organisation is reviewing their regulation and working with toxicology experts to assess the impact e-cigarettes, which have recently surged in popularity, have on health.

The Welsh Government has announced that it intends to restrict the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed public places due to concerns that they normalise smoking.

Council executive member for health, social care and equalities, Councillor Richard Clark, said: “Banning the use of e-cigarettes and vaping on council premises and vehicles further demonstrates our commitment to ensuring a healthy, smoke-free work environment for the public and our employees.

“There is so much unknown about the long term impact of these devices on people’s health.

“We feel it is right that they are considered in the same way as traditional cigarettes.”