Vape sensors are a popular device among teenagers and young adults because they allow them to inhale nicotine or other chemicals in vapor form rather than smoke. These devices are smaller, lighter, and more discreet than cigarettes or traditional tobacco products, and they can be used in public places where smoking is prohibited.

School districts across the country are implementing these devices as part of their comprehensive security strategies to keep students safe. The technology allows them to enforce no-vaping policies by detecting the specific chemical and particle emissions created by e-cigarettes or other vaping devices.

Vape Sensors: How They Detect and Respond to Vaping Activities

The devices are easy to install and work with the existing infrastructure of the school. They don’t have cameras or microphones, but instead send silent notifications to a registered user—either a school administrator or someone else designated by the school.

In addition to being fast, these sensors are also very accurate. They go through extensive machine learning and exposure testing to common vapor products in order to ensure they are highly sensitive to the slightest amount of aerosol particles. The HALO detector, for example, has a PM2.5 sensor that can detect the very slightest smoke, vapor, or particulate in a room, allowing it to be installed in areas where privacy is important like bathrooms and medical patient rooms.

When paired with a smart camera system and an e-hall-pass solution, it is almost impossible for students to regularly use e-cigarettes on school property. This is especially true if the school has already implemented an e-hall-pass system and a robust type of cameras that can capture video footage in real time.