Montgomery County adding vape detectors to school bathrooms

Montgomery County plans to install vape detectors in the bathrooms of five high schools, per a message sent to parents earlier this month.

Why it matters: A 2022 FDA survey found more than a quarter of young e-cigarette users vape every day.

How it works: The detectors are meant to sense smoke or vape fumes in a specific area and alert a designated staff member by text or email.

• The number of detectors installed in the bathrooms may vary based on the size of the room, the school district says.

What we’re watching: Montgomery County public schools have yet to announce which schools will be involved.

• The school district has yet to give a cost estimate for the program because it’s still working on identifying a vendor.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that more than a quarter of young e-cigarette users vape every day (not a quarter of all youth).