LABORATORY testing for toxins must be part of new vaping regulations, according to the Scottish Greens’ health spokesperson.

Gillian  Mackay, who had led calls for the banning of disposable vapes, branded the current system of self-regulation in the industry as a “ridiculous situation where it is the producers themselves who check their own homework.”

Both Westminster and Scottish governments are now looking at tougher licensing of an industry which sells as many as 360 million vapes a year, as concerns grow over both the effects of an estimated 1.3 million cartridges a week littering the streets, and the long-term health of the 22 per cent of Scots under 18 who have vaped.

Ms Mackay said: “What I am calling for is a UK-wide scheme where independent, verified labs carry out tests to crack down on harmful chemicals and dodgy construction, which could leave anyone in danger on a number of levels.

“There is nothing like enough real checks being carried out and while a potential ban is being considered, preventative action must be taken now, including a licensing scheme for importers to deal with the issue.”