THE Scottish Government has said it will continue to review whether there is any effect to health over second-hand smoke in e-cigarettes, after MSPs rejected a solicitors' call for vaping to be banned in cars.
Both the Law Society of Scotland and the Children in Scotland pressure group believed that legislation brought in to ban smoking in cars should be extended to include a prohibition in the use of e-cigarettes.
MSPs voted unanimously for the legislation which will mean fines of up to £100 for anyone who smokes in a car which has a passenger under the age of 18.
It aims protect children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
The Law Society of Scotland, which represents over 10,500 solicitors suggested an amendment to the Smoking Prohibition (Children in Motor Vehicles) Bill which would have extended the ban to e-cigarettes. It was not accepted.
Public health minister Maureen Watt said:“Smoking continues to be the biggest cause of preventable death in Scotland. The rationale for banning smoking in cars is based on the well-established evidence of the harms caused by second-hand smoke in enclosed spaces.
“As yet, the evidence does not suggest that there is significant harm from second-hand vapour in enclosed public spaces. Therefore, the Scottish Government has no current plans to legislate on the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed spaces, including cars. We will continue to monitor emerging evidence.”
The Law Society had told ministers: "We would suggest that the provisions be expressly extended to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes.
"Whilst we recognise that some may believe that nicotine vapour products may be a safer alter alternative to conventional cigarettes, more information is still required on the long term risks and benefits to public health in general and particularly to children and young persons."
The Children in Scotland pressure group supported the extension of this Bill to include e-cigarettes.
The group told ministers: "Whilst we understand that the Scottish Government is currently investigating further controls for e-cigarettes and how they may be covered under existing legislation for cigarettes at this time there is not sufficient evidence to show the effects of second-hand smoke in e-cigarettes and therefore they should be regulated until proven to be safe to children."
Cigarettes burn tobacco to release smoke containing nicotine and other chemicals. On the other hand, e-cigarettes heat liquid nicotine directly to make an inhalable vapour.
Although this method has become popular, public health officials are at odds with scientists over whether or not e-cigarettes, used by as many as 2.6 million people in the UK, are safe.
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