Vapeboss – The E-Cigarette Summit 2022, held in London, England, served as a forum to discuss support for the utilization of alternative tobacco products.

Emeritus Professor of Health Psychology at University College, Robert West, stated that countries with strong tobacco control systems tend to support the use of alternative tobacco products as a tool to transition away from smoking.

“When used as part of an effort to quit smoking, alternative tobacco products are considered more effective than licensed nicotine replacement therapy products. However, unfortunately, in some other countries, efforts to promote the use of these alternative tobacco products are still not optimal,” said Robert.

One of the factors hindering the utilization of alternative tobacco products is the existence of double standards in various scientific studies. Robert explained that many research results are currently not objective and tend to support the views of researchers who consider alternative tobacco products harmful to health.

In fact, based on several scientific studies related to alternative tobacco products, these products are capable of minimizing user risk by up to 95%. This is because the system used involves heating, which produces vapor (aerosol) rather than smoke containing TAR.

From these facts, this product should be maximized as an effort to reduce smoking prevalence.

“I hope that alternative tobacco products will be regulated worldwide in such a way as to maximize their availability as one of a range of tools to transition away from smoking in the global market,” he said.

In addition, Senior Researcher from the University of Bristol, Jasmine Khouja, added that countries must also support adult smokers in quitting their habit. Governments must also prevent young people and non-smokers from consuming alternative tobacco products.

“For policymakers, you need to know what helps alternative tobacco product users and smokers the most. If you want things to go well, you cannot do it without talking to them and hearing their views,” said Jasmine.

On a different occasion, Researcher from the Public Health Observer Foundation (YPKP), Amaliya, stated that alternative tobacco products have a lower risk profile than cigarettes. This is reinforced by scientific studies conducted both domestically and abroad.

By encouraging adult smokers to switch to alternative tobacco products, the Indonesian Government's program to reduce smoking prevalence will be aided, while also creating improvements in health quality.

“Alternative tobacco products can be used by adult smokers who find it difficult to quit. This product can also be a complementary solution in line with the Government's Smoking Cessation Program,” concluded Amaliya.

Source: TribunNews