Schools across the country just want to clear the air. In fact, they are actively working to improve their overall school environment.

In the preceding weeks, a host of schools–including Elkhart High–have said they planned to purchase and install vape detection devices within their buildings. Schools in Central Indiana had already turned to this technology which detects chemicals from e-cigarettes and vapes in the air, notifying the administration and security guards of the area in which students could be vaping.

For several years, districts have tried addressing teen e-cigarette usage. Now, schools have have a far more effective form of action, placing these devices in areas where students would most commonly use their e-cigarette, such as the bathroom. Sophomore Adamariz Vela says, “It’s a great idea that the school is implementing vape detectors in the bathrooms. It could help reduce the amount of vaping students do.” She adds, “Students will become more aware of what they are doing, and they will think about their decisions so that there is no conflict or consequences.” E-cigarettes and vapes expose the lungs to a variety of toxic chemicals and carcinogens that many teens are unaware of or refuse to acknowledge.

E-cigarettes have also been associated with lung illnesses. The school administration hopes that this technology will persuade students to keep thinking about their actions and work to improve their habits. Senior JaQuan Curtis notes, “Hopefully, students will try to quit these terrible habits and find healthier alternatives to vaping.” He continues, “Some students use vapes to relieve stress—though it is not helpful—and there are significantly better things to resort to instead. Meditation and journaling are examples of those alternatives.”

Younger people’s brains are still developing, and they are at risk the most from vaping, as their brains will be affected from the nicotine entering their system. It can affect learning, memory, and attention. Even students who do not use vaping products are affected by others, as they feel that they have to avoid the bathrooms where other students are vaping.

Students can work to improve their habits and keep their bodies safe by avoiding vaping products altogether. However, until they can do that on their own, schools are forced to do the monitoring for them.