Vaping has become a huge problem in schools around the country. It’s not just the nicotine laced smoke that is harmful, but also the toxins and chemicals in the air that can negatively affect student health and learning. The good news is that there are new devices available to help keep students safe and prevent them from vaping while at school. These devices are called vape detectors and they work by detecting the presence of vapor and e-cigs in the air. This technology allows for schools to monitor for the presence of these devices in areas like bathroom stalls and foyers and alert staff to vaping incidents.

These devices are easy to set up and can be integrated into existing security systems without violating privacy laws because they don’t use microphones to detect sound or video. The sensors are also discreet and have no flashing lights, which reduces concerns over surveillance. They also come with a 30-day categorized alert history to help the devices learn environments and reduce false alarms. Additionally, the sensor has a simple administrator web portal that makes it easy for school teams to manage the device and view the results.

Using the right sensor can help schools tackle the vaping problem, as well as identify other environmental factors that could impact air quality or health and safety in the classroom. For example, one Idaho school district opted to install sensors in their restrooms, and when the devices detected the presence of nicotine laced vapor they immediately alerted administrators and the vaping student was removed from the room. The school then provided the student with resources and support to help them break their addiction.

Some districts are also incorporating the sensors as part of their prevention strategy, letting students know that the detectors are in place and that it isn’t cool to be caught vaping at school. This acts as a deterrent to many young people who may be attracted to the peer pressure of their friends and peers to vape. In addition to the positive social impact, creating a vape-free environment means students are able to fully focus on their education and build healthy relationships with teachers and peers.

Thankfully, the vaping problem is beginning to be addressed and there are a variety of ways that schools can fund these detectors. Some local community organizations such as Rotary Clubs, religious groups and social service groups are offering grants for schools to purchase vape detectors for schools and other security measures. These groups are often community-focused and want to see their schools thrive, so they’re more likely to provide these types of funding. School security teams can also look into state and federal grant programs that can help cover the costs of vape detection equipment. Additionally, there are private companies that specialize in developing these devices and offer a range of services, including training and installation for schools. They can even provide a subscription to cloud-based monitoring so that staff can monitor the performance of the device and receive notifications of any incidents.