Vape Detection Systems Installed At Alexandria High School Campuses

ALEXANDRIA, VA — New installations at Alexandria public high school campuses will detect vaping or smoking, according to Alexandria City Public Schools.

Smoking and vaping are banned on ACPS campuses, and vape cartridges are considered contraband. Students found smoking and vaping on school grounds could be disciplined under the Student Code of Conduct.

The plan to install vape detectors in bathrooms was first presented to the Alexandria School Board in February. ACPS said the installations are now complete at Alexandria City High School's King Street, Minnie Howard, Chance for Change and Satellite campuses.

The vape detection systems can confirm smoke from vaping, cigarettes or marijuana. When smoke is detected, school administration receives an alert with the specific bathroom location. Administrators or school security officers may respond to the alert.

"This measure was implemented to promote positive indoor air quality and to eliminate smoking within the facility," ACPS said in a statement. "Smoking within a facility not only negatively impacts indoor air quality, it is also a fire hazard and a health concern. Vaping poses a serious health risk to students whose bodies and brains are still developing; students may not be aware of what is in the vape they are smoking or the danger they could place others in when sharing vapes."

Vaping is considered unsafe for youth and young adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many vapes contain nicotine, a substance that the CDC says can hurt adolescents' brain as it develops through age 25. Other impacts of vaping are being studied, but the CDC believes it can cause long-term damage to the lungs.