Several districts across the country have turned to vapor detection devices as they try to combat the widespread vaping among students. The devices, which look similar to traditional smoke detectors, alert school staff when they detect a harmful mix of chemicals from the vapor. Some districts have used funds from legal settlements with e-cigarette maker Juul Labs to pay for the technology, and others are able to purchase the devices through state or federal grants like the CARES Act Air Quality Fund.

The sensors can be placed in school vape detectors , locker rooms and bathrooms to identify student vaping as well as staff and guest smoking or vaping. Some models even allow schools to turn on the lights and make noise when vaping is detected. This feature is particularly useful in bathrooms, where it can be difficult to see vaping vapor and can help deter student vaping. The sensors can also be set to sense acoustics, including the sound of gunshots or fights, and alert school leadership.

Combatting Vaping in Schools: The Rise of School Vape Detectors

While many school officials say the vapor detectors have helped to curb student vaping, they’re not the only solution. It’s more important to educate students about the negative health impacts of vaping, as well as provide counseling and resources for addiction treatment, as some districts with comprehensive anti-vaping initiatives have found, a Stanford University expert told Wired.

IdentiSys offers an Ethernet and WiFi-based Internet of Things (IoT) vape and multi-sensor device that can monitor air quality, chemicals, gas, keywords, and gunshots in privacy areas. Educators can receive real-time notifications and historical data from the devices, as well as use cloud services to manage multiple units, and create reports and documentation to document their buildings’ health and environmental status.