Do Vapes Set Off Metal Detectors? Why They Trigger Alarms and What to Expect Do Vapes Set Off Metal Detectors? Why They Trigger Alarms and What to Expect FDA issues ban on sale of Vuse Alto e cigarettes False positives in vape detectors are a common concern, particularly when the devices are placed in environments with factors that can mimic vaping aerosols., , Common causes include:, Aerosols How do you sneak a vape pen through a metal detector?