Vapeboss – The presence of alternative tobacco products in Indonesia has become a significant draw for smokers who want to quit. To date, alternative tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes or vapes, and heated tobacco products are believed to be able to reduce smoking prevalence.

A researcher from the School of Pharmacy, Bandung Institute of Technology (SF-ITB), Emran Kartasasmita, stated that Indonesia needs to conduct studies and research on alternative tobacco involving the government, academics, and industry players.

Emran said that the purpose of such research is not to lead non-smokers to become consumers of alternative tobacco products, but rather for the public to know that alternative tobacco products pose a lower risk and are expected to help reduce the number of smokers.

"Instead, it provides lower-risk product alternatives for smokers who find it difficult to quit and encourages them to switch to these products," said Emran.

According to Emran, the government, academics, research institutions, and industry stakeholders can collaborate to scientifically study relevant topics concerning alternative tobacco products. This collaboration will then produce comprehensive research and facts that can be accessed by the public.

For Emran, the facts from these study results can serve as a reference to refute conflicting negative perceptions.

"The best way to address this (negative perception) is by providing comprehensive scientific data and evidence, especially regarding safety aspects and their health impacts," he emphasized.

Furthermore, the results of the studies conducted need to be published in reputable scientific journals. The aim is for these results to have significant scientific weight and objectivity.

"Subsequently, to be easily understood by the wider community, they can be conveyed more massively through various educational activities and mass media," he added.

SF-ITB previously conducted a scientific literature review titled "Risk Assessment of Tobacco Heated System (THS) Products Based on Data and Literature Review." This study was conducted based on standard methods applied worldwide to calculate risk levels. The results showed that heated tobacco products have a lower risk profile than conventional cigarettes.

In the study process, SF-ITB referred to global institutions such as WHO (World Health Organization), IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and US-EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Source: Pilar.id