In today’s world, safeguarding your assets, employees, students, and sensitive information is paramount for any organization, from a corporate office to a school campus. Traditional lock-and-key systems often fall short, offering limited control and poor visibility. This is where access control systems step in, providing a scalable solution for managing who goes where and when.

Robust physical security solutions are a key part of keeping your organization secure and running properly. An effective access control system not only restricts unauthorized entry but also offers data for security audits and emergency management.

What is an Access Control System?

An access control system is a security measure designed to regulate who is allowed to enter specific areas of a building or property. Instead of a physical key, these systems use credentials to grant or deny entry, making security management more efficient and secure. This core function is vital for any organization looking to enhance its commercial or educational campus security systems.

Types of Access Credentials

The journey of access control has seen remarkable technological advancements. What began with simple methods has evolved into a variety of highly secure and convenient options.

1. Physical Credentials (Key Cards & Fobs)

Key cards and fobs remain a popular choice due to their reliability and ease of use.

• Proximity Cards & Fobs: These use RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology. A simple wave of the card or fob near a reader grants access, making entry quick and contactless. They are widely used for office buildings, general staff access, and school entrances.
• Smart Cards: Smart cards can store more data and often require a PIN in addition to the card, adding a second layer of authentication. They are ideal for areas requiring higher security, such as data centers or research labs.

2. Biometric Access Control

Biometric security systems offer the highest level of personal identification by using unique biological characteristics. These systems virtually eliminate the risk of lost or stolen credentials and provide irrefutable proof of identity.

• Fingerprint Scanners: The most common biometric method, offering quick and accurate verification.
• Facial Recognition: Utilizes unique facial features for identification, often used in high-security zones or for hands-free access.
• Iris/Retinal Scanners: Analyzes the unique patterns in a person’s eye. These are typically deployed in environments with the strictest security requirements.

3. Mobile Access Control

Mobile access control allows employees to use their own devices as credentials. A secure app connects with readers using Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication). This offers convenience and reduces the need for physical cards.

Modern Advancements in Access Control

Cloud-Based Access Control

Cloud-based access control allows you to manage your entire security system from anywhere with an internet connection. Instead of housing servers on-site, the system is managed through a secure online portal. This provides incredible flexibility, allowing administrators to grant or revoke access, monitor activity, and respond to real-time alerts from a phone or computer. It also simplifies scalability, making it easy to add new doors, users, or locations without major hardware changes.

The Role of AI in Access Control

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making access control systems smarter and more proactive. AI algorithms can analyze access patterns over time to identify unusual behavior, such as someone trying to access a sensitive area outside of normal hours, and flag it as a potential threat.

In biometric systems, AI enhances the accuracy of facial and fingerprint recognition, reducing false rejections and improving user experience. This intelligence turns a reactive security measure into a predictive one.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Layered Security

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requires a user to present two or more different types of credentials to gain access. This creates a layered defense that is significantly more difficult to breach. Common MFA combinations include:

• Combining a physical credential, like a key card or mobile phone, with a code, such as a PIN or password.
• Pairing a physical item, like a key fob, with a biometric scan from the user, such as their fingerprint.

By requiring multiple verification methods, MFA ensures that even if one credential is compromised, the protected area remains secure.

Benefits of Implementing an Access Control System

Beyond simply opening doors, integrating an advanced access control system brings many benefits:

• Enhanced Security: Restrict entry to authorized personnel only, protecting sensitive areas, valuable assets, students, and staff.
• Increased Accountability: Track and log every entry and exit, providing a clear audit trail for compliance.
• Flexibility and Control: Easily grant or revoke access rights for individuals or groups in real-time. Ideal for managing new hires, departing employees, or temporary visitors.
• Reduced Risk of Key Duplication: Eliminate the vulnerability associated with physical keys being lost, stolen, or illegally copied.
• Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate with other security systems, such as video surveillance, alarm systems, and time and attendance software, creating a comprehensive security system. This is a key component of unified security platforms.
• Emergency Management: Facilitate quicker and safer evacuations by easily unlocking all doors in an emergency or quickly securing a campus during a lockdown.

Choosing the Right System for Your Organization

Selecting the right access control solution depends on your specific security needs, operational scale, and budget. Considerations include the level of security required for different areas, the number of users and locations, integration with existing network infrastructure, and scalability for future growth.

ICAS specializes in installing access control systems that align with your organizational objectives. From initial consultation to ongoing support, we ensure your premises are secured with the most reliable technology available.

Secure Your Future Today

Investing in an access control system is an investment in your organization’s future security and efficiency. Whether you’re considering a transition from traditional locks, upgrading an outdated system, or implementing a new security infrastructure, ICAS is your trusted partner.

Contact us to discuss how we can customize an access control solution that meets the unique demands of your organization.

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While a 2022 CDC study found that over 2.5 million middle and high school students in the United States self-reported using vape devices, other studies have put the actual number at more than double that amount. In 2024, school administrators across the nation continue to identify youth vaping and its related behaviors as a top concern in their schools and communities.

Purposefully targeting youths, manufacturers promote these vape pens as fun, easy to use, and cool, selling them in fruity and sweet flavors that seem innocent. But vaping is far from harmless, depositing thousands of health-impairing chemicals into the bodies of children with every inhalation. Vape includes high concentrations of nicotine—which is highly addictive and proven to harm teens’ still-developing brains—and formaldehyde and diacetyl, which is known to irreversibly damage small passageways in the lungs. Vape pens may also contain marijuana concentrates. In addition to the physical hazards, vaping very often brings on a host of behavioral issues. A 2021 report by Baylor College of Medicine identified that nicotine dependence via vaping has been “associated with impulsivity, mood disorders, anxiety, suicidality, and depression” in teenagers, confirming what school officials and parents have been seeing in children across the country.

Among the tools that, when used in concert, are proving to be effective in lowering incidences of vaping in schools are professional counseling, intervention strategies, and anti-vape education programs–each an important element that should certainly be part of any plan. The most effective educational programs avoid scare tactics, focusing instead on an institution’s anti-vaping rules, include facts about the serious and long-term effects of vaping, and teach students to recognize when advertising campaigns are manipulating them in unhealthy ways. They also involve adult populations in the school community, such as coaches, teachers, parents, and after-care providers.

Additionally, we now have advanced technology called vape detectors that, when combined with these prevention strategies, dramatically reduces vaping and related behavioral issues among students. ICAS is a resource for these state-of-the-art vape sensors, which can be placed anywhere vaping might occur in schools, such as locker rooms, stair wells, bathrooms, or other secluded indoor areas. Sensitive and highly effective, these vape detectors quickly detect the chemical signatures of vape pens and attending ambient sounds, alerting school administrators in real-time and allowing for immediate intervention.

Professionally installed by ICAS and compliant with privacy mandates, Vape Detectors can be easily integrated with any network, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, LoRaWAN, and YoLink. The device detects vape, nicotine, THC, and noise levels in the air and sends an immediate notification personnel for intervention. Deter vape with the ICAS Vape Detection Solution, tailored for schools and other vulnerable environments.

In our efforts to protect the health and welfare of our children, we should use every tool available to us. By embracing today’s technological advances, we can bolster prescribed emotional and behavioral approaches while remaining cognizant and respectful of the individual, and dramatically increasing the success rates of our efforts to end this menace to our children’s well-being.

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The primary rule for smart building technology: make sure it works

Businesses love the idea of smart premises, the notion of using advanced technologies that are integrated into a building using sensors, connectivity, and applications to increase productivity, improve efficiency, lower costs, and streamline cumbersome workflows and entire processes. Smart premises can include offices, factories, schools, warehouses, farms — even airports and seaports — or other facilities where employees congregate to get things done.

The promise of smart premises is an attractive one, especially to those who appreciates these compelling business features. But realistically, leveraging these benefits almost always hinges on a critical, yet often underestimated, factor — the correct installation of the underlying infrastructure. A smart building is simply the framework for all types of interconnected devices and services. The performance is dependent on the correct installation of the network infrastructure, devices, and system hardware that transform smart premises from concepts to realities.

As businesses become increasingly interested in smart premises systems and applications (and rightly focus on the functions and services they want to bring into their operations), companies should also be deliberate in how they manage the deployment process. Essential communications, energy management, security, IoT, and operations management systems are complicated technologies which have their own unique behaviors and nuances. It takes deep expertise to make sure they are properly deployed, and even more experience to ensure that they are integrated in an appropriate manner, on time and on budget.

Enterprises in a hurry to use innovative technology often do themselves a disservice by only focusing on the products and services, but not the integration. If proper attention hasn’t been paid to exactly how the elements come together, all the expense, time, and planning will be for naught. While it would be wonderful if simply purchasing technology also guaranteed its proper deployment, this is rarely reality. Ideally, decisions about what is being acquired, how and where it will be installed or integrated into the overall infrastructure of the project, and who will be responsible after the design stage are important questions that should be answered before a single tool is lifted.

Meticulous planning is always fundamental to proper implementation, and the key to a project’s ultimate success. This goes beyond changing out a cable or a router. The right professional will understand the specific needs and goals that the technology should address, and intuitively know how to structure each of the elements — power, data, HVAC, lighting, and security, for instance — so they can coalesce into a single smart premises implementation that provides all the benefits and efficiencies that customers expect. Wired and wireless networks, sensors, security access controls, video, and AI-driven applications all require a secure, robust infrastructure that must be properly configured and installed.

There is little doubt that businesses of all types are looking to bring smart premise-centric solutions into their operations. As this interest continues to gain momentum, it becomes clear that the importance of expert installation and implementation is the linchpin that ensures the completion of a successful project. Business owners and managers should pay close attention to the installation process — particularly who is doing it, their credentials, and the processes they use. By working with an experienced team that is seasoned and knowledgeable, the headaches associated with a poor installation are negated, and businesses can quickly leverage the tools and applications they have invested in.

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Maintaining a high degree of security for field organizations is not just a nicety, it is an absolute necessity. In an era where bad actors can present themselves physically and digitally, and outcomes can be catastrophic, companies have no other choice but to pay meticulous attention to how they secure their people, property, and processes to best protect their assets. It isn’t just about putting up physical or virtual barriers. Careful thought should go into revisiting security protocols regularly and examining how fortified the business is to resist increasingly aggressive threats, whether assets are on-site or out in the field. With a thorough ongoing review process, an enterprise can ensure they are using the most up-to-date technologies and practices.

But before a formal review process takes place, there are some basic rules that every business should follow to make sure they have the most appropriate security tools in place.

Network Infrastructure  

Since most modern, comprehensive security solutions increasingly rely on the careful analysis of real-time data to identify threats, enterprise networks—both wired, Wi-Fi, and private cellular—should have high bandwidth availability and low latency to support the fast collection and delivery of information. Legacy networks are often slower and more congested than brand-new infrastructure, which translates into significant lag times between data collection and threat notifications. The prudent move would be to reassess the viability and efficiency of the enterprise network—including access points and downlinks for field-based and mobile personnel, as well as routers and switches for fixed-line networks—to ensure they have the proper performance characteristics to support the new wave of security applications. A modern, reliable, and efficient infrastructure forms the backbone for top-tier security systems in mobile and field-based environments and should not be overlooked.

Video

Businesses that use video surveillance and monitoring technology should take a look at the system hardware and software they use. In many cases, it may be time to update the technology to more modern cameras.

These solutions are being used increasingly in the field. Mobile cameras that can range from a delivery driver’s phone to a camera mounted on a truck or helicopter to monitor large agricultural or industrial locations carry a significant burden. Organizations rely on these devices to capture images that can inform them of operational inefficiencies or problems, instances of criminal behavior, and as proof points that specific tasks were successfully achieved.

Unfortunately, it is common to see businesses use antiquated cameras to protect merchandise and corporate assets that may be valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Old cameras produce grainy images that are often undecipherable, and not at all reliable. Modern 4K cameras represent the latest technology and deliver an image that’s crystal clear. Many of the recent mobile phones also offer superior 4K technology, and the cost to upgrade in most cases is very reasonable. Invest in new security cameras for mobile and on-site surveillance. The improvement in image quality will be astounding.

Protocols And Processes  

The way businesses manage their security applications also bears inspection, particularly when it pertains to staff protocols. One especially problematic issue revolves around passwords. A simple but important tool is to change passwords often, but not necessarily on a predictable basis. It does seem like a simple thing, but it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of security. Yes, users usually rebel against the perceived nuisance of constantly changing passwords, but it does mitigate hacking, especially as bad actors become increasingly brazen in their efforts to breach the firewall.

It’s also a good idea to implement two-step verification, especially with field-based personnel. While a private cellular network is generally more robust to ward off incidents of hacking, there are instances when malware can find its way to the mobile device. Requiring the user to re-authenticate themselves through face recognition or punching a six-digit code into the handset elevates the security of the device and the data it transports.

Conclusion 

Protecting proprietary information has become far more challenging in recent years. Threats like cyberattacks and hacking are more aggressive and sophisticated, and of critical concern to data-heavy businesses, especially regulated industries.

Businesses need to prioritize their security processes and protocols, both physically and digitally. By following some simple steps, like ensuring that the on-premises and mobile network infrastructure is sound and updated, the software is up-to-date, and that the appropriate controls are put into place, a business can reduce the chance of a data breach or security lapse.

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There are a variety of rules and regulations of e-cigarettes and vapes that exist depending on each state in the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica reports that e-cigarettes first made their debut in 2003. The devices were developed in the case to provide a substitute for cigarettes, with the main difference being that e-cigarettes are electric, thus do not require a lighter or matches to ignite.

A pharmacist in Beijing, China, is responsible for bringing the idea of vaping to fruition after decades of trial and error from other individuals. It was not until 2006 that it was brought to the United States, in which the trend began to gain extreme popularity. It continues in 2023 to be an issue, especially within the youth population.

Overview of Vaping in the United States

Vaping is viewed as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, but that does not mean it comes with many positive benefits. Vapes and e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and linked to health consequences, including cancer, heart issues, dental problems, and other issues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 2.55 million students used e-cigarettes in 2022. As 2023 progresses, new data will arise, and hopefully there will be a decrease in youth vaping due to the efforts of deterring it in schools and campuses.

CDC STATE System

The CDC’s STATE System, which stands for State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation System, reports on a variety of regulations regarding smoking and e-cigarettes. The majority of states deemed 21 years old as the legal age to purchase e-cigarettes, however, Montana, Arizona, Kansas, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are among the states that have a lower age limit of at least 18 years old. Additional U.S. territories, including Marshall Islands and American Samoa, do not have an age requirement for e-cigarette purchase.

Now, let’s take a look at different parts of the nation and view the popularity of vaping in specific states.

Vaping Regulations by State

New York

Since 2020, New York has banned flavored vape devices from being sold. This action was an effort to reduce the number of adolescent vapers in the state. However, New York is not stopping there – officials are now advocating for a ban on all flavored tobacco products, not just e-cigarettes.  This may encourage users of both e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco products to quit.

The percentage of e-cigarette use in New Yorkers rose from 3.8% in 2017 to 5.3% in 2021, showing a 1.5% increase.

Kentucky

The state with one of the highest percentages of adults using e-cigarettes is Kentucky. Data shows that in 2021, 9.3% of Kentucky citizens vaped. That is 2.6% above the U.S. national percentage of 6.7%.

Kentucky enforces similar rules and regulations as other states, including the fact that individuals must be 21 years of age in order to purchase and/or use e-cigarette devices. Other legislation suggests that individual vapor cartridges are taxed at a rate of $1.50 each, similar to how traditional cigarette sales are taxed.

Community Action

Youth vaping is an ongoing issue across the country, with some labeling it as an epidemic. Advocates and officials in communities and schools are working to diminish vaping in school bathrooms, locker rooms, recreation centers, and public spaces. An effective method to achieve this is installing vape detectors. Vape detector devices have risen in popularity as more and more organizations notice the lack of control there is over the teen vaping situation.

The device detects vape, nicotine, THC, and noise levels in the air and sends an immediate notification personnel for intervention. Deter vape in your school or organization with the ICAS Vape Detection Solution.

The Bottom Line

Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes around the nation has been a persistent issue. Advocates against vaping in the U.S., especially for the youth, work to minimize usage as much as possible through educating the public of its effects and campaigning through organizations. If you want to know more about the rules, regulations, and statistics of vaping in other countries, click here.

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Public works projects are often scrutinized, and sometimes criticized, for inefficiencies in delivery and spending. At a time when transparency and attention to value for each dollar spent are paramount, public agencies at the local, regional, state, and federal levels are well advised to engage with suppliers that not only possess the experience and skills to augment internal workforces, but also understand the local requirements, challenges, and idiosyncrasies that can occur in any given locale.

These technology projects surround us every day. From the installation of message boards and public information displays in train stations to deploying video distribution and surveillance infrastructure and installing lifeline services such as wireless internet access throughout residential buildings, each project requires available—and sometimes specialized expertise—that is simply not feasible to maintain within a single agency.

With the frenetic pace of innovation—and unfortunately rapid obsolescence—that is fundamental in most IT-related endeavors, the understanding of the local lay of the land is even more important. By leveraging the agility of service-driven outsourced providers, project timelines can be maintained. In addition, tapping already existing fleets of service vehicles, warehouse and logistics centers, and technology experts can reduce project costs, as well as overall agency operating costs.

According to James Brehm, principal analyst at James Brehm & Associates, there’s a growing need to outsource the highly technical and complex components of Industrial IoT projects.

“Engaging with the right partners to provide expertise to complement in-house capabilities when and where needed, helps to overcome internal certification and knowledge gaps and provide the scalability and agility needed to address short-term demands without incurring long-term costs,” said Brehm.

It is seldom possible for public agencies to directly employ appropriate staffing to address the ebbs and flows of customer service demands, unexpected outages, or the inevitable technology refreshes or relocations that are likely to occur. The cost to hire, train, and maintain experienced and certified staff for the busy times is not tenable, nor is it responsible stewardship of public funds.

The flexibility and scalability that comes through partnering with trusted local providers can reduce or eliminate costs associated with hiring, training, and managing additional staff for certain projects. The soft costs associated with maintaining expert workforces in these disciplines, including network installation, technical support, project management, and IT hardware deployment services, can be borne in a pay-as-you-go model where necessary personnel are available at any time to meet spot demands. Tapping into the experience and knowledge in specific disciplines can streamline overall project performance while ensuring compliance with best practices and standards.

Many outsourcing providers bring much more to the table than just labor. While employee management is always important, project management and ongoing field support services can be just as appealing to public agencies. Since it is core to the business of these providers to deliver on time and on budget, credible outsourcing partners should provide stringent SLAs and have robust risk management strategies in place to provide public entities with a high degree of confidence that projects will be managed appropriately. Providers that focus on customer satisfaction and effective resource management are best positioned to satisfy the needs of public agencies and the communities they serve.

It’s simply smart business for any agency to build upon their internal strengths and partner with expert suppliers to augment human, knowledge, and asset resources to meet continually changing project demands and requirements.

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One of the challenges for organizations tasked with deploying technology is managing the highly demanding work of implementing infrastructure and systems. There are many complexities and technical nuances that come into play during installation, so it is essential for organizations to make sure that deployments are correct to ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of the newly installed solution.

Leveraging the expertise of a trusted and efficient IT network deployment specialist can influence the outcome of this undertaking. When evaluating a list of potential providers, businesses should keep in mind the following criteria to help hone in on a professional organization that can complete the project accurately and on budget:

For example, does the service provider possess the proper credentials and adhere to best industry practices? Can the installer work among a variety of technologies to ensure compatibility and seamless integration? Did the contractor quote a fair price?

Below are some critical points to consider before signing on the dotted line:

Evaluating Expertise in all Areas of Connectivity  

The organization should ensure the service provider has extensive expertise in all facets of connectivity and can help integrate a host of technologies, including Wi-Fi, 5G, voice, data, and others. The provider should be familiar with the characteristics of indoor and outdoor coverage requirements, as well as industrial and office nuances, and offer recommendations on how to get these systems up and running with no delay. Network architectures behave differently in various locations, and a good installer will have the expertise to understand how to maximize performance in each environment. Not all infrastructures are created equally, and it is incumbent on the provider to make the infrastructure perform up to expectations.

A Track Record of Success 

It is crucial to ensure that the installer has a solid reputation, a deep technical understanding, and a proven track record of success, especially in a specific vertical market like financial services, government, or health care. The number of years in business strongly indicates the contractor’s staying power, level of expertise, and ability to perform the task. It is crucial to ask the contractor for references—particularly in vertical markets.

Also, can the provider share detailed case studies, client testimonials, and images to support their experience and knowledge? Are they known for being consistent and delivering on time? Can they share a list of well-known clients? Most importantly, are they up-to-date on the latest technologies?  

Given the complicated nature of technology implementations, one of the best ways for the contractor to alleviate concerns is to guarantee that all work will be correct and offer written predetermined solutions if anything does not meet the customer’s satisfaction. 

Certifications Increase the Odds of Success

When it comes to ensuring a positive experience, using certified contractors increases the odds of a fast, economical, and correct deployment. Providers that offer a strong team of certified technicians are well-equipped to deliver a higher-quality installation, provide valuable ideas and suggestions, and determine the best course of action for the client. Most importantly, work not performed by certified staff could invalidate a manufacturer’s warranty.

To fulfill every expectation, the provider may, in turn, hire subcontractors. Businesses should know how subcontractors are managed and if a specific system exists to measure results and evaluate their performance. For example, is a dedicated project manager responsible for supervising subcontractors and holding them accountable? And are they being carefully screened and vetted before even joining the team? These, too, are essential points that should be addressed.

Project Management

To shield the client from the day-to-day stresses and demands of the installation process, the contractor should be able to manage all aspects of the entire project. From budget and schedule to details and testing, a dedicated project manager should be up-to-speed on every technical nuance that would otherwise overwhelm the client.

In every business, team effort is essential. The contractor should have a strong, close-knit team, effectively collaborating and working towards a common goal with other vendors and professionals working on the project. The client may want to check the team members’ credentials and ensure that those in charge have the ability, skills, and stamina to get the work done, do it well, and deliver on time.

Conclusion

Companies that are in the midst—or thinking about—upgrading their technologies—should spend considerable time evaluating how these solutions are deployed. Solutions only meet expectations when they work correctly, and customers often overlook the implementation process. Remember, technology has never been more complex, but a good installer should remove these complexities to make the solution seamless and practical. Businesses should assign this challenging task to a seasoned IT network solutions provider with the experience, track record, financial stability, and certifications to remove any pain from a lengthy, expensive, and painstaking process.  

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Vape usage in the United States remains consistent. However, the popularity within the nation is more widespread than we may think.

It is widely known that vaping is a popular activity in the United States, but have you ever thought about the usage of e-cigarettes around the world in other countries? The action is practiced by a range of individuals, ranging from middle school-aged children to adults. It is seen by many schools and facilities across the U.S. that vaping is a continuous issue, and representatives are actively searching for ways to deter their students, employees, and citizens from partaking.

Since we hear news about vaping in America, you may be wondering what the statistics are in other countries, and how they can compare to the U.S.

Vaping Statistics and E-Cigarette Use by Country  

Italy

According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, 721,900 people participate in vaping in Italy. That is a small fraction in comparison to just the United States’ youth vaper population. Vaping in Italy is legal, however, there are various restrictions in place in order for it to stay regulated. For example, no one under the age of 18 can purchase any type of electronic tobacco device, and the devices cannot be sold without displaying proper information about the contents.

China

Similar to Italy, China legalized vaping and e-cigarette use. More commonly outside of mainland China, there are individual restrictions based on the city, including non-smoking and non-vaping areas, and forbid sales. Comparing the amounts of people who vape in China to the U.S., China is at 5.7 million while the United States is at 9.8 million.

South Africa

In South Africa, the regulations of e-cigarettes are based on whether or not they are used for medicinal purposes. If the devices are not advertised as medical products, then they are not regulated.

Greece

The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction states that there are approximately 185,600 individuals that vape in Greece. That is around 2% of the number of vapers in the United States. While the U.S. placed age restrictions and requirements to state any package contents and warnings, Greece does not have any specified regulations in place.

Additional Facts

While there are a variety of countries that legalize the use and sale of e-cigarettes, there are many that prohibit other factors involved. India and Mexico are a few places that do not allow their citizens to participate in selling, marketing, or producing e-cigarettes. Many other countries have their own specific rules in place regarding what is and is not allowed when it comes to types and uses of e-cigarettes.

Vape Detectors

Vape detection devices are becoming increasingly prevalent in non-smoking areas in order to combat the youth vaping epidemic. While they are mostly known in the United States, they are growing in popularity around the world. Learn more about deterring vaping in your organization with the ICAS Vape Detection Solution.

The Bottom Line

It is important to recognize that vaping is evident in nearly every country. Although it serves with the intention of diminishing the use of traditional cigarettes and tobacco products, vapes are being used widely for recreational purposes. As more data is collected, it will become easier to see if there are any streamlined regulations and rules throughout surrounding cities, countries, or even continents.

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Student vaping in the U.S. continues…what are the statistics?

It is certain that majority of people are aware of the youth vaping crisis that exists nationwide. Students in middle and high school, generally ages 12-18, frequently vape for a variety of reasons. Peer pressure, unethical marketing tactics, and tasty vapor flavors are among the popular explanations. The youth may be more focused on how they appear to others than on the effects their actions have on their bodies.

Unfortunately, the original purpose of vaping being used as a way to quit smoking has transformed. The mix between how vapes are marketed as “cool” and how they have become a “fad” created an interest in middle and high school students.

This crisis has been prevalent for years, but what else will help? How can we continue to attempt to put an end to youth vaping, and educate adolescents on the potential harmful effects of vaping on the body? 

2022 Vaping Statistics

First, how many individuals in the youth population are frequent users of e-cigarettes? According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, e-cigarettes were used by 14.1% of high school students, and 3.3% of middle school students in 2022, equating to 2.55 million students. The study was conducted in an online setting, allowing students to access the survey both in class and at home.

Although laws and regulations have been put into place at state levels, students can likely still find ways to purchase banned products, such as the flavored vape. It is reported that 84.9% of students choose flavors over the traditional vape, making the product increasingly desirable. As this issue continues to grow nationwide, it is vital to create awareness and inform in addition to the public anti-vape campaigns.

Real-Time Vape Detectors

Vape detectors are designed for areas of your school or facility that cannot utilize cameras to deter vaping or smoking, such as bathrooms or locker rooms. This real-time vape detection and sound anomaly notification system provides instant feedback and sends alerts to designated school officials via the dashboard system that can be accessed on any computer or mobile device.

Sensitive sensors are able to quickly identify abnormalities in the chemical composition of a room and alert to any loud noises. The vape detector allows for fast, easy, and reliable detection of unhealthy behavior in the locations where your school needs them most.

Contact ICAS to learn more about the vape detector.

The Bottom Line

Educating our youth about the risks and dangers of vaping is imperative. Vaping on a frequent basis can increase stress and anxiety, lead to heart and lung issues, affect brain development, and harbor potential addiction.

Now that the statistics for the past year are available, we have a better understanding of the number of frequent participants and can act accordingly. Hopefully, between increased awareness and the introduction of innovative technologies, we will see drastic changes and declines in numbers.

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A decrease in youth vaping has been reported in 2021, due to the restrictive nature of the pandemic and students engaging in remote learning. Vaping among teens continues to be a serious concern as students return to in-person school and activities. 

E-cigarettes originated as traditional cigarette alternatives. Although this sounds partially beneficial on the surface, it is important to view the transition of the trend from being helpful to a youth-based fad. A recent report, the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), produced by the FDA partnered with the CDC stated that approximately 2.06 million U.S. high school and middle school students expressed they had vaped in 2021. The most popular choice by teens is the e-cigarette, as about 1 in 5 students vape. 

While it is true that there are fewer cancer-causing chemicals in vape aerosols, it is far from harmless. The aerosol for vape contains nicotine, the highly addictive substance that can harm brain development. The nicotine can produce formaldehyde when the liquid is heated to high temperatures, which may take place in e-cigarette devices. The aerosol can also contain heavy metals, such as lead. Flavorings for vape that are a popular choice among teens are made from diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease. 

NYTS Findings

Although the numbers collected from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) indicate a decline, because of the circumstances of the study (regarding the COVID-19 pandemic), experts say there should not be any comparison between previous surveys. With students in a remote learning environment, the accessibility of vape and e-cigarette products may have been a factor in the numbers provided. 

The findings on tobacco use concluded that e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among students. Of the students surveyed, current use indicated 39.4% used e-cigarettes within the past 30 days. Of the students who vaped, an astonishing 84.7% reported using flavored products. 

The CDC has a public health effort, the National and State Tobacco Control Program, with a mission to help educate youths on the dangers of these tobacco products and use resources to help them quit and prevent them from starting. It’s a constant battle to get these anti-tobacco campaigns in front of teens when they are consistently exposed to marketing through social media, magazines, television, and more.

The NYTS is aimed at presenting data on the use of tobacco amongst youths in the U.S. to help health agencies review the trends and create and implement tobacco prevention and control programs. Individual schools partner with these health programs to get more anti-tobacco information before the students.

Innovative Technology Solutions

Innovative technology exists today to help detect vape chemicals through sensors. The Smart Vape Detector sends an immediate, location-specific alert to designated personnel when vape is sensed. The devices are placed in locations where cameras cannot be placed for more preventative measures.

Schools are working hard to integrate restrictive measures and innovative technology solutions into their buildings in order to fight youth vaping. For ICAS, it’s critical to continue supporting schools by offering the best technological solution to protect young people from the risks associated with vaping and e-cigarettes. 

Vape detection can be a powerful tool to cease vaping and help prevent it from happening in schools. 

The Bottom Line

We have seen signs of improvement in the number of young vaping users over the past year or so. With in-person learning and activities now in full swing, the numbers may rise once again. 

It is vital to stay educated and advocate for safer and healthier environments for our communities. Keeping up on technology, research, and studies is key!

Learn more about our Smart Vape Detector and how it can assist your organization.

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