Air Quality Monitoring: Why It’s Essential for Every Workplace
The Air We Breathe at Work
Most people spend 90% of their time indoors—and a huge chunk of that is at work. Yet, when was the last time you thought about the air your team breathes day in and day out? Spoiler alert: It matters. Big time.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) leads to brain fog, sick days, and in some cases, long-term health problems. But there’s good news—tech has caught up. Thanks to air quality monitoring systems like Verkada’s, businesses can finally take control.
And there’s one feature that’s turning heads fast: real-time vape and smoke detection. It’s a game-changer for schools—and an underrated asset for businesses too. If you’re not monitoring for vaping at work, you could be missing a major risk.
Let’s dig into why the air inside your office (or warehouse, or clinic, or school) should be top of mind for any leader who gives a damn about their people—and their bottom line.
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Why It Matters
Indoor Air Quality is the measurement of air within and around buildings. It’s affected by temperature, humidity, ventilation, and pollutants like:
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
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Particulate Matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10)
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Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
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Carbon Monoxide (CO)
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Vape and smoke particles
The Business Case for Better Air
A Harvard study found that better IAQ improves cognitive function by 101%. That’s not a typo. It’s science. Clean air = sharper thinking.
Other benefits:
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Fewer sick days
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Higher employee satisfaction
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Safer compliance with health regulations
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Reduced spread of airborne illness
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Lower exposure to secondhand vape aerosol and smoke
Bad air, on the other hand, costs you—through burnout, lost productivity, and even employee turnover.
IAQ & Compliance
Maintaining IAQ standards helps you stay aligned with:
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OSHA workplace health and safety regulations
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Local indoor clean air policies
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Industry-specific risk mitigation requirements
The Vape Crisis Isn’t Just a School Problem
“The Verkada air quality sensors have been incredibly helpful. They’ve helped us identify and stop vaping incidents in the bathrooms, and the notifications are immediate.” –
Brad Elkins, IT Director
School District of Mondovi
If you’ve read Verkada’s deep dive into vaping in schools, you already know it’s not just a teen trend—it’s a serious health and environmental issue. Vape aerosol contains nicotine, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. And guess what? It doesn’t magically disappear at the office door.
Employees vape in restrooms, stairwells, and even breakrooms. It’s often undetected, but it degrades air quality fast and poses serious risks to others.
Why Businesses Should Care
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Secondhand vape exposure: Not just unpleasant—it’s harmful.
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Fire risk: Especially in facilities with sensitive equipment.
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Policy enforcement: Hard to manage what you can’t prove.
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Reputation: A smoky or vape-heavy workplace doesn’t exactly scream “healthy culture.”
With Verkada’s sensors, you can monitor and alert in real-time—stopping the problem before it spreads.
For a more detailed look into how Verkada detects smoke, THC, and vape particles in real time, check out their IoT Smart Sensor Page.
What Makes Verkada’s Air Quality Monitoring Smart
Verkada’s SA-Series sensors aren’t just fancy thermometers. They track over a dozen IAQ metrics in real time and can alert you when something’s off. That includes:
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VOCs, CO₂, CO, PM, temperature, and humidity
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Vape detection and smoke monitoring (including THC particles)
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Noise levels and motion activity
Real-Time Dashboards & Alerts
Admins get instant updates and historical trends via Verkada’s Command platform. That means you’re never in the dark.
Seamless Integration
Because it’s Verkada, sensors work with your video security, access control, and alarms. Smart meets smarter.
Where Smart Air Quality Monitoring Makes the Biggest Impact
Education
Classrooms are high-traffic, high-risk spaces for poor air quality and covert vaping. Verkada sensors provide real-time alerts for air quality changes, allowing schools to act fast—whether it’s rising CO₂ levels, harmful particulates, or vape aerosol in bathrooms and hallways. Vape detection isn’t just a bonus—it’s a critical tool for ensuring student safety and enforcing campus-wide health policies.
Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities demand clean, tightly controlled environments to ensure the health of patients and staff. Verkada’s air quality sensors continuously monitor VOCs, temperature, CO₂, and other critical metrics in real-time, helping healthcare leaders detect changes before they become hazards. Vape detection adds another layer of protection, especially in shared spaces like waiting rooms or employee break areas where unauthorized usage can pose health risks.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing floors, production lines, and shipping centers are hotbeds for air quality risks—dust, fumes, chemicals, and vapors can all create dangerous environments. Verkada sensors help facility managers keep an eye on PM levels, CO₂, and temperature fluctuations, while vape detection adds enforcement capabilities to no-smoking policies. By identifying problem areas early, operations can reduce downtime, enhance worker safety, and stay compliant.
Government & Public Spaces
From courthouses to public transit hubs, government spaces see high foot traffic and require high visibility for safety compliance. Verkada sensors allow agencies to monitor IAQ metrics and act quickly if conditions change. Vape and smoke detection help enforce no-smoking ordinances and create a more comfortable environment for both employees and the public. With real-time alerts and audit trails, agencies gain transparency and control over facility conditions.
Why Towner Communications is Your Go-To for Verkada
We’ve been trusted advisors in tech since 1947, and we don’t mess around when it comes to workplace safety. As a certified Verkada partner, Towner delivers:
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Full system design and deployment
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Seamless integration with existing security and IT infrastructure
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24/7 local support and ongoing monitoring
Top Questions About Air Quality and Vape Detection Sensors
What is the best way to monitor indoor air quality in commercial buildings?
The most effective method is using smart sensors—like Verkada’s SA-Series—that monitor VOCs, particulate matter, CO₂, temperature, humidity, and vape aerosol in real time. These sensors offer instant alerts, long-term trend tracking, and seamless integration with your building’s security and HVAC systems.
How much does a vape detector cost?
Costs vary depending on building size and monitoring needs. On average, businesses can expect to pay between $1,000–$1,500 per sensor, plus cloud software fees. Towner creates custom quotes to match your environment and budget.
Can I use the same system to monitor multiple locations?
Yes. Verkada’s cloud platform allows centralized monitoring for multiple sites—perfect for enterprises, school districts, or retail chains. You can manage settings, track data, and receive alerts across all locations from a single dashboard.
Can smart sensors really detect vaping and smoke indoors?
Yes. Verkada’s sensors detect chemical changes in the air—including vape aerosols, THC, and smoke particles. These sensors provide instant notifications when abnormal levels are detected, helping facility managers respond before incidents escalate.
Is air quality really that important for productivity?
Absolutely. Poor indoor air is linked to increased sick days, reduced focus, and employee fatigue. Studies from Harvard show cognitive function improves by over 100% when air quality is optimized. Better air equals better performance.
Ready To See Air Quality Solutions
If you’re serious about health, productivity, and smart leadership, it’s time to get proactive. Let Towner Communications design your air quality monitoring solution—with vape and THC detection included.
Let’s make your workplace healthier, safer, and smarter.
