Bev Turner has issued a warning about the “terrible damage” vaping can cause in a fiery debate about its effects.
It comes after it was revealed that Scotland could ban disposable vapes under plans outlined by the country’s first minister.
Humza Yousaf said his government would hold a consultation on a possible single-use vape ban.
In a GB News clash, Turner spoke to John Dunne, the Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association who claimed the practice “saves lives” as it staves young people away from potentially more harmful habits such as smoking.
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Turner, however, said an addiction to nicotine can also be an extremely debilitating issue for young people.
“Your industry is doing terrible damage to our young people, defend yourself”, she said in a direct challenge to Dunne.
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“Young people shouldn’t be vaping as we continue to tell you”, he said.
“One of the things that we’re trying is curbing that by penalising retailers that sell to minors.
“The fact is, vaping is the most popular way adults give up smoking in the UK.
“The idea of banning a product that saves lives is absolutely ridiculous.”
The European Union is expected to ban disposable vapes by 2026WikimediaCommons/SmileSmith25Turner’s co-host, Andrew Pierce, suggested the vaping industry markets itself to young people with flavours such as bubble gum and toothpaste.
Dunne said: “I beg to differ. Adults like flavours. I’m 58 and I enjoy gin, I have a bottle downstairs which is bubblegum flavour.”
“You’ve lost the argument, mate”, Pierce commented in a fiery response.
Turner added: “You don’t have to look online for vapes, they’re on the high street and next to the sweet shop.
“They’re marketed at children, in a device that could give you mouth cancer in 20 years. We just don’t know yet.”
Speaking in Scottish Parliament, Yousaf outlined plans to curb vaping, with a particular focus on children.
"In the next year we will take action to reduce vaping - particularly among children.
"I'm pleased to announce that this government will consult on curbing the sale of disposable single-use vapes, including consulting on an outright ban."
A recent report by the Scottish government found that 22 per cent of all under-18s, around 78,000, are believed to have used a vape last year with more young people using them than smoking cigarettes.