Nicotine patches should be banned in Alberta's jails because inmates are smoking them, prison guards say.

When cigarettes were banned in Alberta jails nearly two years ago, prisoners were given the option of using the patch to try to control their cravings. But the guards claim the inmates are smoking ingredients from the patches mixed with tea leaves or orange peels and rolled in paper.

Dan MacLennan, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, says the smoke is making prison guards sick, and the union has filed a complaint with Occupational Health and Safety about the situation.

"I think there'll be a lot of support once they realize just what a problem this is for the people who work in the jails," MacLennan said.

Twenty-one guards have filed claims with the Workers' Compensation Board for persistent severe respiratory symptoms caused by the foul smoke, MacLennan said. He said the province must find an alternative source of nicotine for inmates.

Annette Bidniak, an official with solicitor general's office, said she welcomes a review of the complaint. She said while air-quality tests have come back clean, the department is considering its options.