Majority back banning flavoured vapes, poll suggests

A majority of respondents to a poll have backed the banning of flavoured vapes in a bid to protect children.

A poll done by ScotPulse for the anti-smoking charity Ash Scotland spoke to 1,061 people between July 24 and 28.

Some 79% of respondents said they would want to see flavours in vapes and nicotine pouches banned.

The finding comes in the midst of a UK Government consultation on the future of vaping.

Sheila Duffy, the chief executive of Ash Scotland, said: “With 79% of adults polled in Scotland favouring a ban of added flavours in nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches, we strongly urge the UK Government to go much further by introducing this more robust measure to ban the toxic chemicals in flavourings that have not been safety tested for inhalation, and prevent the tobacco and nicotine industry from continuing to generate massive profits at a cost to children’s health.”

Dr Ross Langley, a paediatric respiratory consultant in the NHS, said: “Youth vaping and nicotine addiction is a real and present danger to future lung health and mental wellbeing of a generation.

“The detrimental effects of smoking took decades to become apparent; therefore, it is imperative that we act now to address the issues of access, availability and marketing of vaping devices, such as banning added sweet and fruit flavours, to prevent children being exposed to harmful chemicals that can lead to direct lung damage and addiction.”

The UK Government has been contacted for comment.