We’ve all had our fair share of odd encounters at the public space—whether it’s someone hogging the equipment, leaving sweat puddles behind, or blasting their music a little too loudly. But one woman's recent experience takes the cake for sheer audacity, and it’s sparked a heated conversation about respect, health, and the ever-growing vaping trend.

Kayla Nicole, a well-known sports journalist and fitness enthusiast, recently took to social media to vent her frustration after a particularly unpleasant run-in at her local public space. Now, Kayla isn’t just any public space regular—she’s a health and wellness advocate with a large online following, so when she speaks out, people listen.

According to Kayla, her workout was rudely interrupted when a fellow public space member approached her at the Smith machine—not to ask for a spot or to share a friendly tip, but to blow a cloud of 'blueberry eggs and ham' vape smoke right in her face while asking if she was finished. If you’re cringing just reading that, you’re not alone.

Kayla didn’t mince her words in her Instagram story, declaring: ‘Blowing your blueberry eggs and ham vape smoke in my face in the [public space] while trying to ask if I’m done with the smith machine will get you slapped. The f**k is wrong with y’all?’ She even posted a follow-up video of the offending vape device on the public space floor, adding, ‘I want to step on it.’

This act done by a man in the public space made Kayla furious. Credit: @iamkayenicole / Instagram

The incident quickly gained traction online, with commenters expressing their shock and disgust. ‘I’m surprised one can vape anywhere,’ one person wrote. Another chimed in, ‘Vaping in a [public space] is very low class.’ Many agreed that the [public space] should have strict policies in place, with one suggesting, ‘The [public space] should have that member scolded the first time and kicked out the second time.’

Vaping in Public Spaces: What’s the Law?

While this incident happened overseas, it’s a timely reminder for us Aussies to brush up on our own vaping laws. In Australia, vaping isn’t outright illegal, but it is heavily regulated. As of July 1, 2024, all vapes—whether they contain nicotine or not—can only be sold in pharmacies, and only for the purpose of helping people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.

And just like with traditional cigarettes, it’s generally illegal to vape in places where smoking is banned. This includes most indoor public spaces, workplaces, and, yes, public spaces. However, the specifics can vary by state and territory, so it’s always worth checking your local rules.

Why Is Vaping in Public Spaces Such a Big Deal?

Aside from being downright rude, vaping in a public space is a health hazard for everyone around. Vapes, or e-cigarettes, work by heating a liquid that users inhale as an aerosol. This liquid can contain a cocktail of chemicals, including known carcinogens like formaldehyde and acrolein (the same stuff found in weedkiller). Even nicotine-free vapes aren’t safe, according to the Department of Health.

The health risks of vaping are well-documented: irritation of the mouth and airways, persistent coughing, nausea, vomiting, and even the risk of poisoning or seizures from inhaling too much nicotine or ingesting e-liquid. Some chemicals in vape aerosols can even cause DNA damage, and there’s growing concern among scientists about the long-term risks, including lung disease, heart disease, and cancer.

The Irony: Vaping and Fitness Don’t Mix

What’s especially baffling about this public space incident is the irony—vaping and fitness are polar opposites. If you’re working out to improve your health, why sabotage your efforts by inhaling harmful chemicals? According to the Cleveland Clinic, vaping reduces the amount of oxygen your heart, lungs, and muscles receive, which can seriously impact your endurance and performance. Other side effects include increased injury risk, reduced muscle strength, sleep disturbances, and shortness of breath.

So, if you’re hitting the public space to get stronger, fitter, or just to feel better, vaping is only going to set you back.

A Call for Courtesy and Common Sense

At the end of the day, the public space should be a safe, welcoming space for everyone. We all have a right to exercise without being subjected to someone else’s bad habits—especially when those habits can harm our health. If you see someone vaping in your public space, don’t be afraid to speak up or let staff know. Most public spaces have strict no-smoking and no-vaping policies for a reason.

Your Turn: Have You Seen Bad Behaviour in a Public Space?

Key Takeaways

• A woman at the public space was left furious when a man blew vape smoke in her face while asking if she was finished with the equipment, prompting her to vent on social media.
• The incident sparked shocked reactions online, with many criticising vaping in public spaces as 'low class' and calling for stronger enforcement of rules.
• Vaping laws in Australia have recently tightened, with all vapes now only available through pharmacies for quitting smoking, and vaping generally banned where tobacco smoking is prohibited.
• Health experts warn vapes can be harmful even without nicotine, containing cancer-causing chemicals and negatively impacting fitness, including endurance, muscular strength, and overall performance.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever witnessed (or experienced) something similar at your local public space? How did you handle it? Do you think public spaces should do more to enforce no-vaping rules? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep our community healthy, respectful, and vape-free!

 

[BabsL]

All vaping should be banned exactly the same way that cigarettes are already banned. Vaping is worse than cigarettes bcz it damages yr body much faster.

 

[7777]

I have seen people vaping in a car whilst driving, with windows closed.
The entire car was filled with a white cloud of smoke, with the driver hardly visible. This is insane. How can the driver have a clear view of the road he is driving on, in a car filled with white smoke.
Quite clearly laws have not been accommodated to resolve this alarming trend.
It sadly appears that when an accident has occurred as a result of a car filled with obstructive smoke, will only then be the time that laws will be made, not allowing vaping whilst driving.

 

[natalielocket]

Vaping is bad enough, but walked past a couple who were smoking, sitting on a seat, on the pavement. I just glared at them, and held my hand across my face. They were outside some shops, and probably if the shop Assistants had approached they may have been abused, this couple where about 50+. I thought it was illegal. But no one to Police it. Also 40 meters from buildings. In the middle of the road.

 

[Veggiepatch]

All vaping should be banned exactly the same way that cigarettes are already banned. Vaping is worse than cigarettes bcz it damages yr body much faster.

Cigarettes are a legal product. What makes you think otherwise?

 

[Veggiepatch]

Vaping is bad enough, but walked past a couple who were smoking, sitting on a seat, on the pavement. I just glared at them, and held my hand across my face. They were outside some shops, and probably if the shop Assistants had approached they may have been abused, this couple where about 50+. I thought it was illegal. But no one to Police it. Also 40 meters from buildings. In the middle of the road.

Smoking and vaping is illegal within four metres of a public building WHERE SIGNPOSTED.

I find rancid diesel fumes and noisy 120 decibel Hardly Driveables to be much more of a menace.