It is now a fineable offense for Clinton students who are caught vaping at school.

The epidemic has led to several area schools addressing this by attaching a fine to students caught vaping at school and Clinton schools are going to be the latest to take this kind of action. Wednesday morning on the WHOW Morning Show, Superintendent Curt Nettles told Regional Radio News vaping has exploded among the teen population.

The Clinton City Council has taken up the issue and plans to pass an ordinance in September to make a city offense. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers explained Monday night this adds a layer of enforcement to the penalties at the district level.

Vaping can be in the form of nicotine going into a teen's body but also there are CBD oils they can get access. The Chief says vaping materials are the latest trend in harmful substances teens can consume.

Nettles says his staff and administration will strictly enforce this new ordinance and for athletes, the consequences could also impact them.

Teens have been hospitalized in various parts of the country from vaping. Illinois health officials have started to raise awareness surrounding this growing challenge among teens, as Illinois has seen some of its own teens hospitalized.