Vapeboss – Vapes are becoming increasingly popular. This is because they are claimed by several studies to be a lower-risk alternative to conventional cigarettes. Although both contain nicotine, what differentiates vapes from cigarettes is that vapes do not contain tar.

Mohammad Khotib, a researcher from the Department of Chemistry at Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB), explained the difference between nicotine and tar. Both of these chemicals are commonly found in cigarettes, but many people still do not understand their differences. Nicotine has always been considered dangerous, but is that really the case?

Mohammad Khotib explained that nicotine is a chemical compound naturally found in tobacco. This compound belongs to the alkaloid group. In addition to being in cigarettes and vapes, nicotine can also be found in plants such as potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes.

"Chemically, nicotine is a single compound. Nicotine tends to be more addictive, thus creating dependence," said Khotib.

Tar, on the other hand, is not a natural compound like nicotine, but rather a collection of various compounds that arise from the combustion process in cigarettes. According to some research, tar is identified as containing carcinogenic compounds.

"The dominant negative effect of tar is its carcinogenicity. This can cause various diseases. Nicotine's tendency is due to its addictive effects," he explained.

Meanwhile, according to data from the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), tar contains various carcinogenic compounds that can trigger lung cancer, emphysema, or other lung problems. In fact, tar accumulation on teeth can cause teeth to turn yellowish to brownish, and teeth can also be damaged if left for a long period.

On the other hand, toxicologist and lecturer at the Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University (UNAIR), Shoim Hidayat, stated that nicotine has always been considered the source of health problems compared to tar. In fact, inhaling cigarettes containing tar actually causes many diseases.

"So nicotine is not a carcinogen at all. Carcinogenic substances are found in tar," he concluded.

Shoim then advised adult smokers to reduce tar exposure by taking anticipatory steps to quit smoking.

"The potential for disease caused by chemicals is highly determined by its concentration. If it is very high, it has the potential to cause disease. So if the amount ingested is small, the potential is small," said Shoim.

Source: Liputan6