Humza Yousaf is considering a ban on disposable vapes in Scotland
The First Minister stressed his commitment to take action to reduce vaping among non-smokers and young people and to address the environmental impact of single-use e-cigarettes.
Proposals include advice on a proposal to ban sales and other appropriate measures.
Research suggests that almost one in five teenagers has tried e-cigarettes at some point.
Zero Waste Scotland estimates up to 26 million single-use vaporizers were consumed and thrown away in Scotland last year, with 10% going to landfill and over half being disposed of incorrectly.
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At the request of Scottish ministers, Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater and Public Health Minister Jenni Minto will meet with counterparts from the UK, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments to discuss the findings of the latest research and possible policy responses.
In addition, the Scottish Government’s Tobacco Action Plan, which will set out our roadmap to 2034, sets out measures to ensure that children, young people and non-smokers do not use these devices.
Mr Yousaf said: “Disposable vapes pose a risk to both public health and the environment.
“We know that the bright colors and sweet flavors catch the eye of children and young people in particular.
“The World Health Organization has stated that there is evidence that young people who have never smoked but use e-cigarettes double their chance of starting to smoke tobacco cigarettes later in life.”
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“Last year we discussed restrictions on the advertising and promotion of e-cigarette products.
“Any actions we intend to take will build on the rules already in place to restrict the marketing, advertising and sale of e-cigarette products to under 18s and the results will feed into the updated Tobacco Action Plan .”
The First Minister added: “When it comes to the environment, there is indisputable evidence – from the litter on our streets to the risk of fire at waste disposal facilities, there are issues that require action.”
“We will work constructively with retailers and other stakeholders to find solutions. While we solicit opinions on a ban, we are also interested in considering other interventions that could have a more immediate impact.
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“Obviously this is not just a problem for Scotland – these problems are happening across the UK and we will soon be having talks about possible solutions.”
Charity ASH Scotland has welcomed the pledge to consider a ban on disposable vapes.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of Ash Scotland, said: “We have been concerned for some time at the rise in the number of children across Scotland using single-use e-cigarettes and therefore welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to consult proposals that would include a total ban on harmful e-cigarettes.” Recreational vaping products.
“Young people who use e-cigarettes are three times more likely to start smoking and only a ban would ensure that unhealthy single-use products that have become so popular with children are phased out as quickly as possible.”
“France is in the process of banning single-use e-cigarettes and the law could come into force later this year. Several other European countries are also considering bans, giving Scotland a strong chance to re-establish itself as a public health leader by banning the sale or use of these products in 2024.
“By introducing a ban on the sale of single-use e-cigarettes, Scotland can begin to address the exponential increase in vaping caused by these products by young people, protect public health and mitigate the impact on the environment.”
Kim Pratt, Circular Economy Activist at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “The evidence that single-use vapes are harmful to young people and pollute our environment is overwhelming.”
“Companies were allowed to prioritize their profit over their obligation to dispose of these products safely. The quickest and surest way to end the harm caused by disposable vapes is to ban them.
“While consultation on a ban is welcome, we don’t have time to transform our economy product by product. From wasteful plastic packaging to phones that can’t be repaired to harmful products like disposable vapes, everything we own needs to become more sustainable.”
