Good news for vapers! The latest research from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has officially presented the results of the first laboratory study in Indonesia investigating the content of harmful substances in e-cigarettes (vapes).

This study, titled “Evaluation of Laboratory Tests for E-Cigarettes in Indonesia Based on WHO’s Nine Toxicants,” was presented at the Press Conference on E-Cigarette Studies in Indonesia, held on Tuesday (11/11/2025) in Jakarta.

Vape Contains Significantly Lower Harmful Substances

According to BRIN Researcher, Prof. Bambang Prasetya, laboratory tests were conducted on 60 vape samples from various brands and nicotine levels available in the market, as well as 3 types of conventional cigarettes for comparison.

The tests focused on nine key WHO toxic compounds, namely:

“Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, benzo[a]pyrene, and two tobacco-specific nitrosamines (NNN and NNK).”

The results showed that vapes were proven to produce significantly lower toxicant emissions compared to conventional cigarettes. Here are the details:

• Formaldehyde: 10 times lower
• Acrolein: 115 times lower
• Benzene: 6,000 times lower
• Carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, NNN, and NNK: not detected at all
  

In other words, vape emissions were proven to be significantly cleaner than ordinary cigarette smoke.

Quality Control and Accurate Labeling Still Necessary

Although the content of harmful substances in vapes is much lower, this study also emphasizes that vapes are not entirely risk-free.

BRIN found that some compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzo[a]pyrene are still detectable — although at levels far below conventional cigarettes.

“This fact shows that e-cigarettes indeed carry lower risks, but still require strict quality control and standardization of testing,” explained Prof. Bambang.

This means that it is crucial to ensure vape products are properly tested and accurately labeled, so consumers clearly know the nicotine levels and safety of the products.

BRIN's Initial Step to Build National Scientific Data

This study marks BRIN's initial milestone in establishing a scientific basis for alternative tobacco products and nicotine technology in Indonesia.

Through this research, BRIN aims to ensure that tobacco control policies are formulated in a proportional and evidence-based manner.

“These findings are an initial step to develop science-based tobacco policies. With accurate data, the government and the public can make wiser decisions,” he added.

Vapeboss Conclusion

This BRIN research is a breath of fresh air for the vape world in Indonesia. The evidence is clear — vapes are proven to have significantly lower toxicant levels than conventional cigarettes.

However, quality control and clear regulations are still highly needed to ensure that products on the market are safe and standardized.

Because ultimately, the main goal is not just to be “safer,” but to be “more responsible” — both from the manufacturer's and the user's perspective.

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