The Irish Heart Foundation has urged the Government to crack down on vapes to protect young people who are being "targeted" by the tobacco industry. 

On 1st June, it became illegal in the United Kingdom to sell disposable vapes, with retailers facing up to two years in jail if they defy the law. 

Last year, the Irish Cabinet gave its approval in principle to similar legislation and civil servants are currently drafting a bill to bring before the Oireachtas. 

“That has to be notified to the EU, so it could be a couple of months or even longer behind the United Kingdom,” Mark Murphy of the Irish Heart Foundation explained to Lunchtime Live. 

Mr Murphy continued that there needs to be “much more action” on vapes and accused the industry of "targeting young people and teenagers”.  

“The Irish Heart Foundation believes there needs to be a complete ban on disposable vapes,” he said. 

“There also needs to be more regulation on them; there should be a complete ban on all flavours - bar tobacco. 

“We should have plain packaging for e-cigarettes - like we have for tobacco. 

“We should see a complete ban on the marketing of vapes - particularly online.” 

A woman smokes a disposable vape. Picture by: Mikhail Reshetnikov / Alamy Stock Photo

The HSE notes there are a number of health risks associated with vaping, including nicotine dependence, sleep problems and mental health difficulties. 

Vaping can also change how a person’s vital organs - such as the heart and lungs - work.

Main image: A teen vaping on the street. Image: Steven Gill / Alamy