Amid an alarming rise in does vape set off smoke detectors , school districts are increasingly employing detectors that can pinpoint the source of odors. The devices, which resemble smoke or carbon monoxide detectors and are mounted in hallways, alert administrators via phone or text when they detect the odor of vapor coming from an e-cigarette or other device that emits chemicals.
Schools that have the technology say they’ve cut incidents of vaping in half within a few weeks. But critics argue that punishing kids or adults for the offense doesn’t do much to address the bigger issue, which is addiction and health risks.
Measuring Sensitivity: How Sensitive Are Vape Detectors
Depending on the model, vape detectors can be configured to send alerts only in specific locations or to all areas of a campus. Some are also equipped to pick up sound abnormalities such as shouting, which could help alert school staff to a fight or potential assault. Some are able to monitor for other environmental changes such as temperature, humidity or chemical exposure.
The sensors, which are usually battery operated and have a battery life of about four years, can be installed in restrooms, closets and other private spaces where cameras wouldn’t be allowed for privacy reasons. Some are designed to be tamperproof and can be monitored by an administrator.
One product, from IdentiSys, is Ethernet or WiFi-based and can be connected to the school’s system. It’s part of a multi-sensor that can also identify chemicals, gas, keyword calls for help, gunshots and more. It offers settings to customize the device for a specific area of a building and archive historical data for future reference.