Toronto students may soon think twice before vaping at school. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is set to roll out a pilot program this winter that will see vape detectors installed in student washrooms at four high schools — Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, Woburn Collegiate Institute, Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, and East York Collegiate Institute.
The initiative, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education, is part of a province-wide effort to curb the rising use of e-cigarettes among teens. Vape detectors, which look similar to fire alarms, can sense the chemical signatures released by vaping devices and send real-time alerts to staff.
According to TDSB spokesperson Emma Moynihan, the pilot will launch in December after “appropriate communication and education” is provided at the participating schools. The project aims to collect data and evaluate how effective these detectors are at reducing vaping incidents.
Ontario’s Ministry of Education announced $30 million over three years last spring to help school boards install security and detection equipment — including vape sensors — in response to what health experts have called an “epidemic of youth vaping.”
How the technology works
Manufacturers like WeSecure use advanced air-quality and AI-based sensors to identify the presence of chemicals linked to e-cigarettes, cigarettes, or cannabis. When triggered, an alert is sent via email or text to designated staff members. While the detectors do not record audio or video due to privacy restrictions, they can identify loud disturbances such as fights, and some schools supplement the system with cameras outside washrooms for monitoring.
The growing concern
Research has shown a dramatic rise in vaping among young Canadians. A 2022 federal survey found that 30% of youth aged 15 to 19 had tried vaping, and 14% had done so in the previous month. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the addictive substance found in traditional cigarettes, which can lead to dependence and lung-related issues.
Public health expert Robert Schwartz, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, said the trend reflects a major public health challenge. “Whatever can be done that is going to be effective to help kids not use these products is a good idea,” he said.
Mixed results, but growing support
While evidence on the long-term effectiveness of vape detectors is still limited, schools that combine technology with education have reported success. For example, Almaguin Highlands Secondary School north of Huntsville saw a decline in vaping after introducing detectors alongside student assemblies and classroom lessons about the dangers of e-cigarettes.
The TDSB’s pilot is expected to follow a similar model — blending detection technology with awareness initiatives. Whether the devices will make a lasting impact remains to be seen, but Toronto’s school board hopes this step will help restore a healthier, safer environment for students.