There could soon be e-cigarette detectors in schools in the Big Apple, as politicians want to put an end to vaping among young people.
The city’s Department of Education would be required to install e-cigarette detectors in middle and high schools across the five boroughs under a bipartisan bill introduced last week by City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens).
“We simply wanted schools to remain a safe and nurturing environment – not a place where children’s lung health was at risk,” Ariola told the Post.
It’s unclear how much the city will spend, but many districts across the country have reportedly purchased HALO sensors, which detect chemicals in the air and cost $1,000 each.
The new bill, supported by Democratic politicians including Brooklyn councilors Justin Brannan and Jennifer Gutierrez, comes nearly a year after The Washington Post revealed that the Energy Department had reviewed vapor detectors made by manufacturers including Triton Sensors.
E-cigarettes have become the most commonly used tobacco product by children across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by 2023, 10% of high school students and 4.6% of middle school students admitted to using e-cigarettes.
The devices, many of which are made in China and other countries abroad, contain nicotine and other toxic chemicals that can lead to lung disease and other health complications, according to the American Lung Association.
New York State law requires retailers to sell e-cigarette products that do not contain a flavoring or tobacco taste.
But e-cigarettes, which can only be purchased by buyers 21 and older, are still sold in banned sweet flavors such as mango and strawberry banana that are aimed at children.
DOE spokeswoman Jenna Lyle said the agency will review the legislation, noting that substance abuse specialists currently work with schools to provide prevention and intervention services to students.
