Vaping, also known as electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, has increasingly become popular among young adults. In recent years, adolescents have started to vape at younger ages with higher intensity.
As of February 2024, there were approximately 39 million people who use e-cigarettes or tobacco products worldwide (Google statistics). That number has increased by 24 million since 2011.
National data reveals a rise in vaping among teenage children nationwide over the past four to seven years, making schools and universities particularly vulnerable to what some describe as a “vaping epidemic” or “vaping crisis.”
How can schools combat student vaping?
The most daunting challenge is detecting when and where vaping occurs on campuses. The discreet nature of e-cigarettes allows students to vape quickly without the pungent odor or obvious smoke of flammable cigarettes.
Many school administrators are taking proactive measures to combat the epidemic by installing surveillance equipment, often done without student notification, to help crack down on electronic cigarettes.
Schools across the country have invested millions in monitoring technology (The Daily Record, May 2024). According to LinkedIn, the vape sensor market generated revenues of $202.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $446.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%.
The hard-wired and Wi-Fi-connected vape detectors are installed in common locations where students vape, such as restrooms, classrooms, stairwells, hallways, locker rooms, and other indoor areas.
Some reports indicate detectors installed in schools have helped catch students vaping every few seconds. Other statistics show that vape detectors are being set off up to 22 times a day in schools.
As with any new technology, there is a need for preventative measures to be put into place to protect devices against vandalism, damage and misuse. Students want to continue to vape in their chosen areas, so many groups are exploring methods like covering sensors with plastic wrap or intentionally damaging the devices to render them inoperable.
Given the substantial investment involved, how can schools and universities ensure their costly detectors remain operational and unharmed?
Protect Your Investment with Steel Cages
With public buildings spending billions of dollars on vape detection systems, protecting these units from vandalism and accidental damage is vital.
Mitigate the threat of equipment impairment by being proactive and counteracting a building’s weaknesses with STI’s durable 9-gauge Wire Guard Damage Stopper®. The tough wire cage helps protect vape detectors and other fundamental air sensors against damage and vandalism.
Constructed of tough, 9-gauge steel wire coated with corrosion resistant polyester, STI’s cage helps ensure protected detectors and sensors are operational and increases the productivity of the units. They also help decrease maintenance costs, reduce time spent replacing broken or stolen units, and waiting for parts to arrive.
STI offers wire guards in numerous models and sizes to protect vape sensors, smoke detectors, horns/strobes/speakers, clocks/bells, exit signs, motion detectors, clocks, speakers, and much more. Many of our products are UL/cUL Listed.
40+ Years of Experience
Safety Technology International (STI) is a long-time trusted manufacturer of fire, safety and security products that help deter false alarms, alert to emergency situations, prevent theft and minimize damage to equipment in buildings around the world.
STI offers a variety of products to help protect access control and fire alarm equipment against theft, damage and misuse. Solutions include products such as cabinets, enclosures, cages, alarms and custom or touch-free buttons.
For over 40 years you can Rely on STI® for covers, cages, alarms and buttons. Find more information on Safety Technology International at www.sti-usa.com/cs99 or call 248-673-9898.
