Vapeboss – Research on alternative tobacco products in Indonesia is severely lacking, and even now, the government has not conducted comprehensive research. Therefore, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is requested to conduct research and scientific studies on alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches.

Chairman of the Indonesian Vaper Consumer Association (AKVINDO), Paido Siahaan, stated that based on research and scientific studies from several countries, alternative tobacco products are considered to have a lower risk profile. However, in Indonesia, scientific studies on alternative tobacco products have only been carried out by universities, while official research on the matter is still non-existent.

"As far as we know, the government has never conducted scientific studies on alternative tobacco products. Hopefully, the government, in this case, BRIN, can conduct scientific studies," said Paido.

Regarding official scientific studies, AKVINDO stated that it is ready to collaborate with the government. The results can then be used as a comprehensive source of information for the wider community, especially adult smokers.

"The lack of information from scientific studies can hinder adult smokers from switching to lower-risk tobacco products for them," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Vaper Alliance (AVI), Johan Sumantri, also supports government research. The goal is for consumers to know all the benefits and impacts of alternative tobacco products.

"They can fairly assess the existence of these products. In fact, research is not only important for consumers, but also for the general public, especially adult smokers who want to try to quit smoking," he concluded.

Previously, Academician from Padjajaran University (Unpad), Achmad Syawqie, stated that alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes (vapes) and heated tobacco products, have a lower risk profile than cigarettes. This was known based on his campus's scientific study. This research was also conducted by the University of Indonesia (UI).

This research aims to find out how much influence the use of alternative tobacco products has compared to cigarettes on genotoxic potential, one of which is on the buccal mucosa in the oral cavity.

The research was conducted on 15 respondents who were former smokers who had switched to using alternative tobacco products for at least one year, 20 smoker respondents, and 20 non-smoker respondents.

"The results show that users of alternative tobacco products have lower genotoxic potential than smokers," Syawqie told reporters on Saturday (4/2).

Syawqie explained that genotoxic potential is the occurrence of genetic damage characterized by cell changes. The results of the study showed that the number of micronuclei in users of alternative tobacco products and non-smokers was in the normal category, ranging from 76-85.

Source: Jawa Pos