The Victorian health minister has slammed the federal health minister after urging state leaders to tackle the illegal sale of e-cigarettes to children.

Experts have warned that as the vaping phenomenon creates a public health crisis for a new generation of smoking.

A damning review published by lead researchers at the Australian National University found that young people are more prone to addiction, intoxication, seizures, trauma, burns, lung damage and smoking as a result of nicotine e-cigarette use.

In a letter to the state health secretary, Greg Hunt urged them to crack down on the supply of e-cigarettes to minors.

Citing the latest findings from the ANU study, he claimed that the retail sale of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) to schoolchildren was a common and frequent occurrence.

"I am writing to you to reiterate that regulatory responsibility for NVPs rests with the Commonwealth and the states and territories," Mr Hunt said in a letter to Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley.

"Each State and Territory has its own laws governing the supply and possession of NVP, and each State and Territory has direct responsibility for enforcing these laws. I ask you to take proactive steps to monitor compliance with these laws and, as appropriate, Take enforcement action, especially against retailers who continue to provide NVP to school children.”

"Participation and cooperation of all jurisdictions in enforcing our respective laws may yield the best results in preventing the supply of NVPs (especially to minors) and meeting community expectations."

But Mr Foley said more needed to be done at the federal level to strengthen regulation of vaping.

He pointed to Victoria's action in funding resources aimed at educating young people about the dangers of vaping.

"We have strict regulations in Victoria on the advertising, sale and use of e-cigarettes, and we need to do more (federal government) to strengthen e-cigarette regulation at the national level. We encourage the Morrison government to continue its efforts."

Since October, there have been 361 investigations into alleged violations of the Therapeutic Goods Act related to nicotine vaping products.

There are currently 110 active cases related to nicotine vaping products, with 17 related to alleged advertising offences and 93 to alleged import or supply offences.

Fines in excess of $450,000 have been imposed for 49 violations.

In Victoria, it is currently illegal to use e-cigarettes in places where children and families may be present, such as schools, kindergartens and skate parks.

It is also illegal to advertise or display vaping products in retail stores or sell them to persons under the age of 18.

The Australian National University review found that young non-smokers who vaped were about three times more likely to smoke.

The review's lead author, Professor Emily Banks, said: "Nicotine use in children and adolescents can lead to lifelong problems with addiction and difficulty concentrating and learning.

The discovery prompted Cancer Australia to issue an urgent warning to governments to take immediate action to protect their communities from the new trend.

Anita Dessaix, Chair of the Cancer Council's Public Health Committee, said: "Every week we hear about growing community concerns about vaping in schools, the health hazards and the risks of smoking in young people.

"This comprehensive, rigorous, independent report from one of the world's leading public health research centers should put an end to the misinformation spread by those trying to make money from vaping."

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