Disposable vapes should be banned and a crackdown on firms targeting children launched according to the Scottish Greens.

A report for the Scottish Government shows millions of vapes are thrown away as litter each year.

A review of disposable vapes has been launched into the environmental impact of single-use vapes.

The Greens said an outright ban is needed both for health and environmental reasons.

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The increase in children vaping has sparked concerns and led to calls for action.

The review estimates that in the 12 months to January 2023, there were 543,000 vapers in Scotland and 51,000 (9%) were under 16 and 78,000 (14%) were under 18.

The review found 26 million disposable vapes were consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the last year, of which an estimated 10% were littered.

It found that most under-18 e-cigarette users prefer single-use vapes.

Glasgow Times:

Gillian Mackay, Scottish Greens health spokesperson, said: “Disposable vapes are a modern-day scourge with many unknown risks for people’s health and for young users in particular.

“They are also cluttering our high streets and having a real and profoundly harmful impact on our environment.

“Scotland can lead the change across the UK by stopping these companies from targeting children and from banning the sale of disposable vapes for good.

“The advice from experts, medical professionals, councils and campaigners is clear. A ban is a necessary and obvious step to ensure generations of young people don’t suffer future harm.”

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Environmental concerns over the greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption manufacturing process are also included in the report.

Total emissions associated with disposable vapes in 2022 are estimated to have been up to 4,292 tonnes of CO2e equal to more than 2000 cars on Scotland’s roads.

 The Scottish Government said it will propose solutions to the disposing of single-use vapes later in the year.

Lorna Slater, Minister for Circular Economy, Green Skills and Biodiversity said: “This report shows that single-use vapes have become a big problem for our environment, local communities and young people.

“I will take action and will engage with those affected, including young people, over the coming months, with a view to setting out a way forward in the Autumn.

“Single-use vapes are an issue across the UK, so I have invited Ministers from the other UK governments to meet to discuss the findings of the report and what we can do in response.

“Those who sell single-use vapes are already required to take them back for safe disposal, or contribute to the cost of recycling, but this is clearly not happening as it should.”