American Heart Association applauds Richland County for expanding clean indoor air protections
September 21, 2026
New ordinance protects employees, customers and families from exposure to secondhand vape aerosols
The American Heart Association is applauding Richland County Council’s approval of an ordinance that expands the county’s existing smoke-free workplace protections to include electronic smoking devices and vaping products.
The ordinance, approved on the third and final reading on September 15, prohibits vaping in covered indoor workplaces and customer-facing areas throughout unincorporated Richland County, including restaurants, retail stores and shared work environments. The measure also establishes a 15-foot smoke- and vape-free buffer around entrances and exits to covered facilities.
“Richland County has once again demonstrated its commitment to protecting public health by ensuring clean indoor air policies reflect today’s tobacco products and emerging health risks,” said Andrew Wylam, South Carolina government relations director, American Heart Association – Columbia. “This is a commonsense step that helps protect employees, customers and families from involuntary exposure to secondhand aerosols. Everyone deserves to work, dine, shop and spend time indoors without being exposed to secondhand aerosol.”
“Our goal is to ensure that employees, customers and families are protected from exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol in indoor public places,” said Richland County Council Chair Jesica Mackey. “This update modernizes our clean indoor air protections and helps create healthier environments throughout Richland County.”
While many people believe vaping produces only harmless water vapor, e-cigarettes emit an aerosol that can contain nicotine, metals, volatile organic compounds and other potentially harmful substances. Individuals nearby can be exposed to these chemicals through secondhand aerosols.
Research has shown that exposure to e-cigarette aerosol can contribute to inflammation and impaired blood vessel function, which are associated with cardiovascular disease. Public health experts agree that secondhand aerosols are not harmless and that comprehensive indoor policies are the most effective way to protect the public from exposure.
“This ordinance ensures people with heart disease, asthma and other underlying health conditions are better protected while maintaining clear, consistent standards for businesses and the public,” Wylam said.
The American Heart Association thanked Richland County Council for its leadership in advancing clean indoor air protections and helping create healthier environments for everyone who lives, works and visits the county.
To learn more about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes and secondhand aerosol exposure, visit www.heart.org(opens in new tab).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org(opens in new tab), Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
