In 2003, Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik developed the first e-cigarette after his application for a patent on the invention was approved.  When this product was first introduced, it was promoted as a way for individuals to treat nicotine addictions.  However, the use of the e-cigarette, now commonly referred to as a vape, became an epidemic in 2014, when it became the most common tobacco product used by youth in the US.  Advertised with attractive packaging and a variety of lollipop-like flavors, the target audience eventually became children as young as ten years old.

Similar to smoking, vaping can be seen in any public space, such as a local park or the lot of a store.  What has become alarming is the habit for students to vape when they are in school buildings.  In an effort to combat this problem, the administration has taken action by installing vape detectors in the bathrooms at school.  A necessary tool to promote a safer learning environment, a vape detector functions by detecting the specific chemicals that a vaping device contains, such as nicotine, glycerol, and metals.  The system then sends alerts in the form of text messages, emails, and notifications when those chemicals are in the presence of one of these detectors.

Vaping is extremely dangerous, especially for adolescents.  Vaping while their bodies are still developing can cause severe damage to their biological systems.  The problems associated with vaping include asthma, lung scarring and inflammation, and organ damage.  It is also possible for an adolescent to develop an addiction to e-cigarettes, just as people develop addictions to smoking, drinking, and other dangerous substances.  These side effects can last for the rest of an individual’s life, as the damage was done while their bodies were still in the developmental stage.

Even though e-cigarette use has declined among teenagers in the past year, it still remains a very relevant problem that needs to be addressed.  Aside from the physical side effects, vaping has shown to worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and increase the chances of an individual being diagnosed with a form of depression.  All of these possibilities not only affect a student’s ability to learn, but also lowers their overall quality of life.  The installation of the vape detectors in the school bathrooms is a strong step forward in protecting school-wide health and establishing a healthier setting for all.