This story is free to read.

South Dakota school district puts vape sensors in bathrooms

FILE - In this Tuesday, April 10, 2018 photo, a high school principal displays vaping devices that were confiscated from students at the school in Massachusetts. On Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, the Vapor Technology Association filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government to delay a review of electronic cigarettes. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) FILE - In this Tuesday, April 10, 2018 photo, a high school principal displays vaping devices that were confiscated from students at the school in Massachusetts. On Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, the Vapor Technology Association filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government to delay a review of electronic cigarettes. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

By Associated Press September 23, 2019 1 min read

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – A southeastern South Dakota school district is installing vape sensors in bathrooms to combat students’ use of e-cigarettes that have been linked to hundreds of cases of lung disease nationwide.

The Argus Leader reports that the Dell Rapids School District is placing machines that will send silent messages to school officials when vaping chemicals are detected in middle and high school bathrooms.

The sensors cost the district less than $5,000.

Superintendent Summer Schultz says vaping on campus has long been an issue, and the district has revised its disciplinary policy for students caught in the act.

The South Dakota Legislature outlawed vapor devices in public areas effective July 1.

More than 500 people have been sickened and at least eight have die d of respiratory diseases linked to vaping.