E-cigarettes produce vapor when vaping, by heating a liquid that typically contains nicotine, THC, CBD, flavorings, and other chemicals. The vapor produced by e-cigarettes can contain a variety of compounds, including nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. When vaped, they are in a vapor form, particulate form. The smoke produced is made up of particles that are visible to the human eye and range from 0.5 to 100 microns.
Scientific Vape Detection Facts
The emission from vaping is an active scientific field of study which some very nice publications. Some key publications and take-home messages applicable to vape detectors:
- Pellegrino et al analyzed the particulate matter (PM) fraction yield when vaping. PM output was lower in e-cigarettes compared with the conventional cigarette – eg, PM1=14 vs 80 μg/m3 and PM10=52 vs 922 μg/m3. This means that a vape detector has to be more sensitive than a conventional smoke alarm, given the particles emitted when vaping can be lower by x10.
- In one study, it was shown that PM2.5 concentrations were correlated with the number of e-cigarette users present in a vape shop.
- Stanford University showed that PM2.5 concentration is high at close proximity to the vaper, and rapidly decreases, more so than smoking a conventional cigarette.
- East Carolina University showed that PM2.5 had a higher (absolute) concentration than VOC when vaping. PM2.5 incurred a max concentration of 3000 ug/m3 compared to VOC with a max concentration of 50 ppm. This shows that measuring PM2.5 is a more sensitive and reliable measure for vaping than using a VOC sensor.
Can a Vape Detector Falsely Alarm?
Yes, it can.
Vape detectors can be triggered by the vapor produced by e-cigarettes and may also be sensitive to other types of vapor or smoke. For example, some vape detectors may be sensitive to the vapor produced by other types of electronic smoking devices, such as vaporizers or hookahs. In addition, some vape detectors may be sensitive to smoke produced by traditional cigarettes or other types of tobacco products.
It’s important to note that vape detectors are designed to detect the presence of vapor or smoke, and not necessarily the presence of specific active compounds such as nicotine, THC, or CBD. In addition, it’s possible that a vape detector may be triggered by other sources of vapor or smoke, such as steam from a hot shower or steam from cooking.
How do Students Beat Vape Detectors?
There are several ways that one may attempt to outsmart vape detectors, including:
- Hiding the vaping device: Some students may try to conceal their vaping device in order to avoid detection. This could include hiding the device in a backpack, pocket, or other inconspicuous location. Vape is also breathed into the backpack to hide the vape smoke.
- Modifying the vaping device: Some students may try to modify their vaping device in order to make it less detectable. This could include using a device with a low-emission coil, or using a device with a built-in fan to disperse the vapor more quickly.
- Using alternative vaping methods: Some students may switch to alternative vape juices which emit less vape smoke.
- Using smoke filters. These are devices that a student can breathe into in order to eliminate vape smoke.
It’s important to note that while students may try to outsmart vape detectors, it’s unlikely that they will be able to do so consistently, and the detectors are still a useful tool to detect vaping. Additionally, a comprehensive approach that includes education, policies, and monitoring activities will also be important in addressing the issue.
Conclusion
- Vape emissions are made up of particles from 0.1 to 100 microns in diameter.
- This means that a vape detector has to be more sensitive than a conventional smoke alarm, given the particles emitted when vaping can be lower by x10.
- Detecting PM2.5 is a more sensitive and reliable measure for vaping than using a VOC sensor.
- A vape detector may be triggered by other sources such as steam from a hot shower or steam from cooking.
About the Author
Dr. Koz resides in the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, California. He is a subject matter expert on vape detectors, gas sensor technology, gas detectors, gas meters, and gas analyzers. He has been designing, building, manufacturing, and testing toxic gas detection systems for over 20 years.
Every day is a blessing for Dr. Koz. He loves to help customers solve their unique problems. Dr. Koz also loves spending time with his wife and his three children going to the beach, grilling burgers, and having cold beer. Read more about Forensics Detectors here.
Email: drkoz@vapedetectors.com
Phone: +1 424-341-3886
