Vaping among students is a growing concern that needs to be addressed by policymakers and school

authorities. The use of vape sensors in indoor areas can help prevent and address student e-cigarette use
at schools. It is important to educate students about the risks of vaping and provide them with the
necessary resources to quit vaping if they have already started.

According to a study conducted by Joseph Emmanuel P. Resano et al. from a private university in Manila,
Philippines, the prevalence of smoking/vaping was 47% higher among students with high-stress levels
than students with low to moderate stress levels¹. The study also found that approximately one out of
eight were exclusive vapers, one out of 25 were exclusive smokers, and one out of five were both
smokers and vapers¹.

The results of the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) revealed that there is a higher prevalence of
use of e-cigarettes than the use of any other tobacco products among Filipino students aged 13 to 15
years⁵. This highlights the need for more stringent policies and regulations to curb the use of e-cigarettes
among young adults.

Vaping inside the campus is a serious concern as it can lead to secondhand exposure to aerosol
produced by e-cigarettes. To effectively prevent and address student e-cigarette use at schools, vape
sensors should be deployed in the indoor areas that are prone to students vaping such as student
restrooms, locker rooms, classrooms, stairwells, etc. ⁴

In conclusion, vaping among students is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The use of
vape sensors in indoor areas can help prevent and address student e-cigarette use at schools. It is
important to educate students about the risks of vaping and provide them with the necessary resources
to quit vaping if they have already started.

¹: Resano, J. E. P., Guce, M. N. d. A., Manicio, Z. Z., Serrano, S. M. A., Sicat, S. P. A., Moreno, P. J. M.,
Semaña, A. G. D., Banzon, Y. B. S., Domingo-Gonzaga, C. L. C., Nanca-Atayde, C. L., Regencia, Z. J. G., &
Baja, E. S. (2022). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Smoking and Vaping among Nursing Students in a
Private University in Manila, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science, 151(1), 411-423. ¹⁴: Campus Safety
Staff. (2019, September 12). Addressing the School E-Cigarette and Vaping Epidemic. Campus Safety. ⁴⁵:
Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (2021, January 22).
New study reveals 1 in 7 Pinoy students aged 13-15 use e-cigarettes. Philippine Legislators’ Committee
on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. ⁵
Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/30/2024

(1) Prevalence and Risk Factors of Smoking and Vaping among Nursing ....
https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/images/pdf/pjs_pdf/vol151no1/prevalence_and_risk_factors_of_smo
king_and_vaping_among_nursing_students_.pdf.

(2) New study reveals 1 in 7 Pinoy students aged 13-15 use e-cigarettes. https://www.plcpd.org.ph/new-
study-reveals-1-in-7-pinoy-students-aged-13-15-use-e-cigarettes/.

(3) Addressing the School E-Cigarette and Vaping Epidemic.

https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/news/school-e-cigarette-vaping-epidemic/.

(4) 26% of Students – New Study Reveals Alarming Rise of Nicotine Vaping in ....
https://scitechdaily.com/26-of-students-new-study-reveals-alarming-rise-of-nicotine-vaping-in-schools/.

(5) Study: College Students Vape Much More Than They Realize. https://ctri.wisc.edu/2023/08/04/study-
college-students-vape-much-more-than-they-realize/.