Scotland could ban disposable vapes under plans unveiled by the country’s first minister.
Campaigners have highlighted the environmental impact of disposable vaping products, which are often thrown on the ground after being used.
Concerns have also been raised around their growing popularity among young people, according to media reports.
Humza Yousaf said his government would hold a consultation on a single-use vape ban as he set out his priorities for the coming year.
He told the Scottish Parliament he hears too often about how common vaping is among young people.
“In the next year we will take action to reduce vaping – particularly among children,” he said. “I’m pleased to announce that this government will consult on curbing the sale of disposable single-use vapes, including consulting on an outright ban.”
A recent Scottish government report found that 22% of all under-18s – around 78,000 – are believed to have used a vape last year with more young people using them than smoking cigarettes.
It found that most e-cigarette users under 18 prefer single use vapes.
The review by Zero Waste Scotland estimated that up to 2.7 million single-use vapes were littered in Scotland last year. The study estimated that there were 543,000 users of e-cigarettes in Scotland and predicted that without intervention that will rise to 900,000 by 2027.
SCotland joins several countries such as France that are considering a ban on disposables.