Indiana officials are asking health care providers to report any young patients with a history of vaping who unexpectedly developed severe respiratory illnesses.

The Carmel City Council reviewed an ordinance Monday night that would ban e-cigarette smoking in public places.

In the past year the number of teens using e-cigarettes has increased by 78% and experts are worried. Side Effects Public Media's Araceli Gomez-Aldana spoke with WFYI's All Things Considered Host Matt Pelsor about the rising numbers

In the past year, the number of teens using e-cigarettes has increased by 78% and experts are worried.

Nationwide, e-cigarette use rose 78% among high school students last year, the FDA says. The agency taken steps to address what it calls an epidemic. For example, it has warned manufacturers to stop marketing to kids by using fruity flavors and colorful packages.

Carmel High School has seen a surge in students being sent to emergency rooms after using marijuana's psychoactive ingredient in electronic cigarettes.

Lawmakers considered options that included a 10% tax or a 5% levy on vaping liquids that contain nicotine. But no agreement could be reached before the General Assembly adjourned.

The bill would create a 20% tax on vaping products and modify state law to restrict the sale of vaping products to minors. But during its second reading, lawmakers moved to study the issue during the summer.

Health officials say teenagers are using e-cigarettes at epidemic rates. Lawmakers in a number of Midwest states, like Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota, are addressing the problem and so is the FDA.

About 120,000 Hoosier youths were surveyed and asked about other substance use including alcohol and prescription drugs. Nearly a third of 12th graders reported using vapor products in 2017.