U.S. students are using e-cigarettes by the millions. Here is what to know about vaping.

Two months ago, Volusia Schools began the new academic year with an updated code of conduct — one that promised, among other measures, stricter rules on the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vape pens) on district campuses.

Using, possessing or distributing tobacco products is now an intermediate offense, according to the code, which could result in several penalties, from citations to in-school suspensions.

Last week, a 15-year-old Deltona High School student was caught vaping in the school bathroom, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

The student’s vape pen tested positive for THC (a cannabis substance) and fentanyl. The student was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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But even when there are no illicit drugs involved, vaping is not a risk-free activity.

So why are students using electronic cigarettes? Is vaping less harmful than regular cigarettes? How dangerous can they be? Here is what we know:

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that can contain several different flavorings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common resemble pens, USB sticks and other everyday items.

Users inhale said aerosol which, like a regular cigarette, usually contains nicotine. The use of e-cigarettes is sometimes referred to as “vaping.”

Do e-cigarettes contain nicotine?

According to the CDC, “most e-cigarettes” contain nicotine as well as other potentially harmful substances.

It is also difficult for consumers to know what products are in their e-cigarettes. According to the CDC, “some e-cigarettes marketed as containing zero percent nicotine have been found to contain nicotine.”

E-cigarettes do contain less chemicals than regular cigarettes, but the presence of nicotine and other substances still make them dangerous. Some ingredients include:

• Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

• Flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease.

• Volatile organic compounds.

• Cancer-causing chemicals.

• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead.

Why are middle and high school students using e-cigarettes?

The primary reason young people start vaping, according to the CDC, is the variety of flavors available in e-cigarettes.

These can include anything, including "fruit (the most common among users at 69%), candy, mint, and menthol.”

“Widespread advertising for e-cigarettes, including via media for which advertising for conventional tobacco products is prohibited (e.g., TV), and the lower costs of some e-cigarettes relative to regular cigarettes” has also contributed to use among U.S. students, according to the CDC.

In 2022, approximately 2.55 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes, including 3.3% of middle school students and 14.1% of high school students, according to a recent study.

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What are the risks of e-cigarettes for youths?

While scientists continue to learn about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, there are some known risks.

The presence of nicotine alone can be considered a risk, according to the CDC.

The substance can “harm adolescent and young adult brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.”

It can also be toxic to both children and adults.

“Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes,” according to the CDC.

In addition, “defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions, some of which have resulted in serious injuries.”

Can e-cigarettes help regular cigarette smokers quit?

Studies on the subject have found mixed results, concluding “that evidence is insufficient to recommend e-cigarettes for smoking cessation in adults, including pregnant adults,” according to the CDC.

Some studies have indicated that “e-cigarettes may help non-pregnant adults who smoke if used as a complete substitute for all cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products.”

However, CDC data shows that nearly 37% of adults who currently use e-cigarettes also currently smoke regular cigarettes.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: What is vaping? Why are so many U.S. students using e-cigarettes?