HUMZA Yousaf could BAN the sale of disposable vapes in a major legal shakeup.
Throwaway e-cigarettes have become hugely popular in recent years as many people across the country try to move away from smoking tobacco.
But the colourful electronic alternatives have raised environmental and health concerns over littering and young people, including school kids, getting hooked on them.
The First Minister had said at the start of this year he would give “consideration” to outlawing the devices as former Health Secretary.
Today, Mr Yousaf reiterated his stance and said “nothing was off the table” as he revealed a Scottish Government expert group is currently considering a ban on single-use vapes.
Probed during First Minister’s Questions by Scottish Greens MSP GIllian Mackay, he confirmed Zero Waste Scotland are to review environmental impacts from the single-use plastic devices.
This includes looking at the litter epidemic and the risk of fire, which can happen when a battery-powered device ends up in landfill.
The First Minister also acknowledged the health impacts of vapes as well as the risk to children.
In response to Ms Mackay’s questions, he said: “We will give that consideration.
“Littering, of course, of any kind is unacceptable.
“I share the member’s concerns about the environmental impacts of single-use vapes, not to mention the increased use among children and young people who should not have access to them in the first place.
“I should make it quite clear that the use of these products is an issue we’re taking very seriously and nothing is off the table at this stage.”
Previously, a warning was sent to parents after the shocking number of schoolkids who vape was revealed.
New figures found that one in 10 S4 students, who are about 15 years old, were reported using e-cigarettes once a week or more.
Statistics have shown e-cigarette use in Britain is increasing and hit record levels last year.
Data showed around 4.3 million people across Scotland, England and Wales use vapes, equivalent to 8.3 per cent of adults in the three countries.
An environmental activist in Dundee recently told how she found 55 e-cigarettes littering the city’s streets after going for just a four-mile walk.
We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5200