Not long ago, traditional cigarettes were the primary public health concern, leading to widespread bans in pubs, restaurants, and workplaces by 2007. Smokers found themselves relegated to designated areas almost overnight. Fast forward to 2024, and a new challenge has emerged—vaping. While promoted as a smoking cessation tool, little is known about its long-term health effects. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), in 2022–2023, approximately 19.8% of individuals aged 14 and over reported having used e-cigarettes. This figure marks a notable increase from previous years, highlighting the growing popularity of vaping products.
Beyond health and environmental concerns, the rise of vaping is posing new challenges for security systems, particularly in locations where vaping is strictly prohibited, such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces. Ensuring compliance has become a priority for security and facility managers.
A Growing Concern
The surge in e-cigarette use is especially pronounced among younger Australians. In 2022–2023, 1.3 million Australians aged 14 and over, or about 7% of the population, reported regular e-cigarette use with the AIHW data indicating that in 2022–2023, 48.8% of individuals aged 18–24 had tried e-cigarettes at least once.
The rise of vaping among students has become a significant concern for educational institutions. Secondary schools, in particular, are struggling to control vaping on their premises. A survey by the NASUWT teachers’ union found that 85% of educators consider vaping on school grounds a significant issue. In Australian schools, 64% of teachers reported being aware of the sale of vapes at school. These statistics highlight the growing challenge that face Australian schools while also exposing an opportunity for security solutions to address.
While policies can outline preventive measures, detecting and addressing vaping incidents remains a challenge.
Inner Range Integrated Vape Detection Solutions
Similar to smoke detectors identifying cigarette use, integrated vape detectors offer a practical solution across various settings. Educational institutions, hospitals, care homes, hotels, and workplaces already employ security measures such as CCTV, access control, and intruder detection. Integrating vape detectors into these systems is a natural extension of security management.
Inner Range’s Integriti system exemplifies this approach. With over 130 integrations to third-party technologies, including vape detectors, Integriti enhances security systems with advanced detection capabilities. These vape detectors can be discreetly installed in bathrooms, hallways, and stairwells to deter vaping. They are highly accurate, easy to install, and generate minimal false alarms. When vaping is detected, alerts can be sent to designated personnel—such as teachers or security staff—enabling a swift response. Additionally, these detectors can be synchronized with security cameras for real-time monitoring.
Adapting to Emerging Security Challenges
As security needs evolve, comprehensive solutions must adapt accordingly. The rise of vaping highlights the importance of flexible, integrated security systems that can address emerging concerns. By working with a provider like Inner Range, organizations can implement advanced solutions that not only enhance security but also ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
For more information on how Integriti can support vape detection and other security challenges, contact our team today.
