Vaping Devices Clogging Toilets, Causing Damage At Bel Air High School

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A report reveals that students at Bel Air High School in Maryland have been flushing vaping devices down toilets, clogging pipes and causing extensive damage throughout the school. At one point, nearly every bathroom had damaged or out-of-order toilets due to the frequency and severity of the issue, prompting the school to use metal detectors to screen students for vaping devices.

Why it matters

The damage caused by students flushing vaping devices has resulted in significant costs for the school district to repair the plumbing issues. It also highlights the ongoing challenge schools face in addressing the rise of vaping among teenagers, which can disrupt the learning environment and create safety concerns.

The details

According to a spokesperson for the school system, students have been flushing vaping devices down the toilets at Bel Air High School, leading to clogged pipes and extensive damage. At one point, nearly every bathroom in the school had damaged or out-of-order toilets due to the frequency and severity of the issue. In response, the school's safety liaison began using a metal detecting wand to screen students for vaping devices as an interim measure to address the growing problem.

• The incidents of students flushing vaping devices down toilets have been ongoing at Bel Air High School.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The school district is continuing to monitor the situation and explore additional measures to address the issue of students flushing vaping devices down toilets, such as increased security and education campaigns.