Vape sensors are a type of IoT environmental sensor. Sensors that detect smoke and vape typically have the ability to monitor additional aspects of air quality as well, such as overall indoor air quality (IAQ), cardon dioxide levels, temperature, humidity, levels

Here’s how vape detection via IoT sensor works:

1. Deploy sensors in common vaping and smoking locations

Vape sensors can be installed nearly anywhere on a school campus, including common vaping locations such as restrooms and stairwells. Notably, sensors can be installed in areas where cameras are not permitted due to privacy concerns. As long as the sensor doesn’t record video or sound, student privacy rights are not infringed.

2. Automatic vape/smoke detection via chemical signature

Vape sensors monitor the surrounding area for the chemical signature of smoke, vape, or THC. Since the sensors do not rely on sight or smell, they aren’t tricked by attempts to mask the vape detector with another aerosol.

3. Take action based on evidence

To gain better context and solid evidence of vaping, schools can pair vape sensors with nearby smart cameras. This synchronizes the data from the sensor and the cameras, making it simple to investigate sensor alerts and visually confirm who was vaping.

If the sensor is paired with a nearby smart camera, schools may obtain video evidence of who triggered the sensor. Having solid evidence makes it straightforward to intervene and take appropriate action to support students who are found to be vaping.