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Vape Detection:
Frequently Asked Questions

Where Do I Start?

What is the best way to get started with Zeptive?
  • You can get the vast majority of your questions answered here on this FAQ page. You can call us at (617) 468-1500 to answer any questions or concerns you have. We are open 9am - 5pm EST Mon-Fri for phone calls. We are very accessible and want to help you with your needs.

What is the easiest way to start with vape detection in my building?
  • The easiest way to start is to purchase one device and use the battery-power capability. You do not need to run any wires, the device can connect to your WiFi. Because of our battery & WiFi capability, we are the simplest and most convenient device on the market for getting started.

How do vape detectors work?
  • The Zeptive Vape Sensor detects the chemical constituents in vape aerosol and uses a variety of sensors with a proprietary set of algorithms that can be individually tuned to provide users customized detection settings to fit their unique environment. Users can adjust their own settings to make systems more or less sensitive or utilize Zeptive’s Support Team to assist. The system detects all types of vape including non-nicotine, nicotine and marijuana (THC) based vape and simultaneously detects smoke.

Where do I put these detectors and how many should I order?
  • Typical coverage is a 12’ x 12’ area with the sensor at a height of 8’, but it does depend on several factors such as room air flow, and where in the room the sensor is placed.

  • The sensors are extremely sensitive to vape i.e. ppm.

  • The ability for a sensor to detect vape is influenced by numerous factors such as the size of the room, the proximity of the detector to the source of vaping, and the direction, speed, and volume of airflow in the room. Vape is an aerosol and travels via diffusion.

  • Another benefit of the portable, wireless Zeptive Vape Sensor is that you can easily move the sensor to better detect vaping if needed

How does a wire free (battery with cellular or WiFi communications) vape detector help me?
  • DIY install

    • No need to run wires (Saves $ and time)

    • Connect via cellular or Wi-Fi (assuming you have strong and consistent signal)

    • Select ideal location for your sensor

    • Attach to the wall or ceiling with tamper proof screws

  • Save time and money

    • The Zeptive Vape Sensor can be installed in minutes

    • No need to hire outside help to run power to your sensor

    • If you have ever installed a wire-free smoke detector in your home, then you can install a wire-free vape detector

  • Move your sensors anytime

    • As your vaping students move locations you can also move your sensors anytime you choose.

    • Move your systems for special events and to enable active detection; this enables you to be forever diligent in protecting your students

What are the alert notification options available?
  • App - Individuals who have access to the App can receive notifications via the App and see the status of all of their systems.

  • Web Console - Individuals who have access to the Web Console can view notifications and see the status of all of their systems.

  • Text - Individuals can receive text notifications

  • E-mail - Individuals can receive e-mail notifications

  • Audible - The Zeptive Vape Sensor offers an audible alarm that can be Turned ON or OFF in the App. The audible alarm can be used for both vape alarms and tamper alarms.​​

How does the Zeptive Vape Sensor handle tampering?
  • We combat tampering with several approaches:

    • Hardened plastic case to protect the electronics and sensors

    • Integrated digital tamper sensor to alert staff if anyone touches the system

      • You will receive an e-mail and/or text notifying you of tamper.

      • If you have the App and/or Web console, you will also receive an alert and it will be recorded.

      • There is a time stamp on this notification so even if you miss them tampering, you can follow up by cross examining the camera with the system time stamps.

      • The sensitivity of this tamper sensor can be adjusted by the user

      • There is an Audible alarm integrated with the system that can be turned on and off via the app. It is defaulted to alarm for 10 seconds.

        • We recommend keeping the audible tamper alarm on at all times

  • Tamper screws

    • We utilize tamper proof screws to attach the system to the wall or ceiling.

  • Optional Wire Cage for additional protection

    • This is an option that some schools utilize as it provides an outer shell of wire to provide additional protection.

How easy is it to connect to my building’s Wifi?
  • We can pre-configure the device prior to shipment so that it is plug-and-play provided you share your WiFi credentials. 

  • You can also add your WiFi credentials via the Zeptive phone app when your devices arrive.

How much do vape detectors cost?
Does Zeptive serve my area?
  • We have thousands of vape detectors protecting schools, workplaces and resorts across all 50 states and internationally.

How easy is it to purchase and install additional Zeptive devices in my building?
  • Sometimes our customers only have the initial budget to purchase a few devices. Often, they return to order more devices after seeing the success of their initial devices. We work with customers who reorder to make it an easy installation to add devices to their fleet. 

Can I purchase a set of devices for multiple buildings?
  • Yes, and we can help customize your web console and phone app view of your devices to make monitoring simple and easy for you.

Getting Started

How Does Installation Work?

Do I install the vape detectors or does Zeptive come and install them for me?
  • We’ve created a simple Do-it-Yourself installation and provide an installation template for drilling. The device has 5 holes that you drill into the wall or ceiling.

Is installation hardware included?
  • Yes, you receive the screws, wall anchors, a screwdriver and two different screwdriver bits that match the screws that come with the device.

How easy is it to connect to my building’s WiFi?
  • We can pre-configure the device so that it is plug-and-play provided you allow us to access your WiFi credentials.

Does it matter if my walls are concrete or sheetrock?
  • Installation works the same on concrete walls, you just need to use a powered screwdriver to get the wall anchors into the concrete. We ask that you avoid any type of adhesive or silicone to attach our devices to the wall.

What is the benefit of purchasing the optional wired cage?
  • There is a tamper sensor within the device, but many customers also prefer the additional physical layer of security that our stainless steel wire cage provides. You can purchase a cage for each device to reduce the risk of damage or tampering.

How high should the devices be mounted on the walls or ceiling?
  • Ceiling is always preferred if you can do a ceiling. However, if your ceiling is too tall, i.e. once you get over 9 feet, we suggest you put them on a wall. It is optimal and ideal to have it at least 8 feet high to limit tampering and maximize detection.

Can I put this on a 10 foot or 12 foot ceiling?
  • We wouldn’t recommend it because vape and smoke are heavier than air. So there is a good chance that the vape would not get to that height. In the case of a high ceiling, we suggest you mount the devices on a wall at an 8 foot height.

What is the coverage of each device?
  • Our vape detector typically covers a 12 foot by 12 foot range when placed on an 8 foot ceiling.

What are the best practices of installation?

You want to be as close to the vape source as possible, but in a high enough and central location to maximize vape detection area while also minimizing risk of tampering by students. Ideally place the unit on an 8 ft. ceiling and no higher than 9 ft; the higher you place the system the longer the diffusion will take for the vape; consider your room’s natural air flow. The device needs air flow, so you want to install without hindering the device’s vents. You will need to mount the device so that you have access to the battery door to change out the battery (if you are using the wireless capability).

Installation

What Are the Costs of Not Using Vape Detection?

What are the costs of not using vape detectors at my site?
  • Teachers and administrators use their valuable time to address vaping issues.
     

  • Not a $ cost, but schools, PTOs, local, and state health departments cannot be viewed as condoning student drug use.

  • Not a $ cost but schools cannot be viewed as creating an environment that does not taking mental health seriously. Students who vape have poorer mental health, either as a result of vaping, or because vaping indicates they are self-medicating for a mental health condition.

  • Vaping devices are often flushed down the toilet and can cause plumbing damage

  • Littered vape cartridges and disposables create a significant grounds maintenance problem for all schools.

What can be prevented or minimized?
  • Avoid student attention problems. Avoid behavioral and addiction challenges.

  • Avoid lower test scores.

  • Prevent higher use of Nicotine and THC in the school setting → Lower test scores

  • Avoid Pressure to vape and use of other substances in the school setting

  • Avoid having dealers on school grounds, who sell THC and nicotine vape pens, and other substances.

  • Reduce exposing teens to other substances. The evidence shows that teens who vape are also using alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs at a much higher rate.

  • Lung (pulmonary) health is reduced with vaping. New published research shows that long term health effects may be no different than smoking.

What else?
  • In addition to finding students who are vaping, installing these units sends a very strong message to the student body.

  • It gives the administration a strong inflection point to discuss this problem with students and bring it to the forefront.

  • Installing units in even just one restroom can have profound effects in the school. By creating a vape-free restroom, it creates a safe space for students to use the restroom, who would otherwise avoid using the restroom altogether.

Costs of Vaping

How Does Wired/PoE (Power over Ethernet) Work?

How do you switch between WiFi and PoE?
  • You turn the device off, plug in the live PoE connection, and then let it boot up again. The device will automatically switch to PoE for you.

Public Health

What Does Zeptive Have for Customer Support?

Do you have an online support platform?
  • We have 24/7 access to our support platform through Zendesk where you can find in-depth support-and-training documentation. You can also submit support request tickets that are answered within one business day by our dedicated expert support staff.

Is there a support line I can call?
  • We are open for support calls at (617) 468-1500 from 9am - 5pm EST Mon-Fri to help you with your needs. You can also submit a support ticket at support.zeptive.com or email support@zeptive.com

Do you offer training to a new customer or new user?
  • If you are a first-time user or have a new staff, we can help train you through online videos and live-Zoom training.

Is there in-person support?
  • We have designed our vape detectors so that you can install them yourself. We have site survey tools we can send to you to help you verify that our devices will work on your site. The devices are designed so that a Zeptive team member can have remote access to testing and support of the device configuration and updates. We can look at an alert you’ve received and help you calibrate your device to best suit the air in your building.

How does your ongoing support differ from competing brands?
  • When you buy directly from us or from one of our channel partners, you get full support from one of our subject-matter experts. Our competitors do not typically provide accessibility to subject-matter experts as part of their ongoing support.

How Does the Device Battery & Charger Work?

Is the battery rechargeable? How do you charge them?
  •  Each device comes with a charger and a spare chargeable battery so that when the device shows a “low battery” alert, it is easy to change the battery and always have one charged.

How many rechargeable batteries come with my device?
  • Each device comes with 2 rechargeable batteries.

Do I get alerted when the rechargeable battery is almost dead?
  • When it is time to change out the rechargeable battery, your personnel will receive an alert which will give them several days advanced notice to change the battery.

Is there a backup battery in the device?
  • Yes, our device runs off the main rechargeable battery. When the battery runs low, there is an internal reserve battery in the device to keep the device operating for a few days, giving you ample time to replace the large rechargeable battery.

Will I need to replace the battery in the future?
  • You will not need to replace your battery. Our batteries are good for 500 charges. If your device has typical usage, this will last you approximately 30 years.

How do I change the battery?
  • It takes about one minute to change the battery. You unscrew two tamper resistant screws and open the battery door to swap it out.

Can I stop using the rechargeable batteries to power the device?
  • Yes, the device also has wired capability. So if you’d rather run the device without worry about a battery, you can do that instead.

How does your battery-powered device compare with your competitors?
  • We are the only vape detector on the market with a battery-powered capability. We have patented the technology.

What is WiFi Capability of the device?

Can the device connect to any WiFi network?
  • The device can connect to  a 2.4ghz network.

How easy is it to connect to my building’s WiFi?
  • It is very easy to set up the device yourself. Or we can pre-configure the device so that it is 100% plug-and-play.

How do I know if the devices can pick up our WiFi range?
  • You can test the WiFi before you purchase a device with your phone or laptop in the room that you plan on installing. When you do purchase the device, we advise that you turn on the device in the room when you’d like to install. We have a signal tester in our dashboard that comes with the device.

What Are Important Public Health Issues About Vape?

What are people concerned about? Why is vaping an issue?

Three things people are most concerned about are:

  1. The long term effects of e-cigarette use are still unknown and may be very negative

  2. High-potency cannabis use has important effects on brain development and school performance

  3. Nicotine addiction is a real burden on teens who otherwise might not have been exposed to this substance.

The current research supports that:

  1. Anti-tobacco policies can be highly effective

  2. Vape aerosol contains many compounds and particulates

  3. Teen e-cigarette users are likely to use other substances, particularly THC (ie. cannabis marijuana)

Lung Problem Stats

Vaping is new, so there isn’t a lot of data available on how typical vaping effects the lungs, except as related to the 2019 E/VALI crisis. However, some great research is starting to be published including:

A recent (April 2020) academic article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine states that:

  1. There is substantial evidence that electronic cigarettes (with and without THC use) can lead to lung disease

  2. There is also substantial evidence that electronic cigarette use may lead to oxidative and inflammatory damage to the lungs.

  3. Electronic cigarette vapor is also known to contain heavy metals, dangerous low molecular weight carbonyl compounds, and dangerous flavoring chemicals.

  4. Traditional cigarette smoke contains over 7000 chemicals, with over 70 of them known to be carcinogens, but current research suggests that the toxicity profile of electronic cigarettes and traditional cigarettes is actually quite similar.

  5. Electronic cigarettes are a fast-growing industry, becoming more popular and more accessible to both youth and adults.

Another recent article (Apr 2020) in the journal Toxics states that:

  1. The potential toxicants of THC cartridges include solvent-based volatile (e.g., butane) and semi-volatile (e.g., decane, naphthalene) hydrocarbons, silicon conjugated compounds, various terpenes, pesticides/plasticizers/polycaprolactones and metals.

  2. Inhaling these chemicals at sufficient concentration is known to cause symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea fatigue, fever, or weight loss, consistent with that seen in patients with EVALI (i.e. severe lung illness).

School Performance Stats

Again, hard stats are few and far between because vaping is so new. However, there is a growing body of research:

Specifically: Students who vape are much more likely to use other drugs.

In the Journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research (2020) a study by Gilbert, Kava, and Afifi found that 93% of current e-cigarette users have used other substances (i.e. tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis) in the past 30-days. Half of them used alcohol or cannabis.

In an another recent JAMA Pediatrics Article, doctors (N. Chadi) at Children’s Hospital in Boston concluded:

  1. Vaping of a nicotine product is significantly associated with use of at least 1 other addictive psychoactive substance: marijuana.

  2. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the rapid increases in e-cigarette use among youths as a means to help limit marijuana use in this population.

In a recent (June 2019) study in the Journal Birth Defects Research, they found that:

  1. We have evidence to suggest recency, frequency, and age of onset of cannabis are likely key variables in predicting not only poor neural health and cognitive functioning, but emotional functioning as well (e.g., depression)

In March 2020 a new article from Harvard McLean hospital found that:

  1. Those who use cannabis before age 16 may have permanent brain effects. Specifically:

  2. Those who used cannabis before age 16 demonstrated residual driving impairment in non-intoxicated cannabis users, which appears specific to those with early onset cannabis use.

A very well known article from 2012 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that heavy adolescent marijuana users lost 8 points in their IQ from childhood to adulthood:

  1. When their adult IQ was tested at 38 years old, the heaviest and most persistent adolescent-onset users in the study had experienced an average decline of eight IQ points from childhood to adulthood. Non-users had on average increased their IQ by around one point. And even after setting aside the heaviest users, a decline of a few IQ points from their childhood value was still seen in less heavy users who had started in their teens. What's more, the drop in mental function seemed irreversible even after people had quit cannabis. However, persistent users who only started when adult (older than 18 years) did not seem to experience the same IQ decline.

Effects on others in the building?

There is well documented information about the particulates found in vape and the effect they may have on others, i.e. "2nd hand vape"

 

For example: In the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, they found the level of particulates were 12-times higher than the permissible EPA levels, in a room full of people who were vaping.

What else?
  • Overall, school administrators tell us they do not want to return to the days of smoking like it was in the 80’s and 90’s. Yet currently about ¼ of high-school seniors have vaped in the past month.

  • They don’t want the new era of nicotine addiction to happen on their watch.

Customer Support
Battery & Charger
Wired & PoE
WiFi & Range
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