How to Prevent Hoaxes in the Vape Industry – Various misleading information or hoaxes about alternative tobacco products are still widely circulating in the community. To reduce this misinformation, it is necessary to increase scientific studies on alternative tobacco products conducted domestically.

Researcher and Lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Neily Zakiyah, stated that the dissemination of information about the risk profile and benefits of alternative tobacco products should be fact-based and supported by scientific studies. This is important so that the public receives comprehensive and accurate information.

"The goal is to educate the public about these products based on scientific evidence to prevent misinformation," Neily said on Monday (3/4/2023).

She added that alternative tobacco products, such as heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches, differ from cigarettes in terms of characteristics, safety, and risk profiles. Therefore, scientific studies must be conducted in detail so that there is no generalization between alternative tobacco products and cigarettes.

"The characteristics, safety, and risk profiles of alternative tobacco products are highly varied, so scientific studies must be conducted," she emphasized.

For domestic scientific studies on alternative tobacco products to be implemented soon, Neily stressed the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders, such as the government, academics, industry players, and the community. Multidisciplinary collaboration with a pentahelix concept involving all sectors, including mass media and communities, also needs to be pursued.

"Comprehensive scientific studies can provide information and evidence regarding the risk profile and potential of alternative tobacco products. The research conducted is also expected to prevent individuals who are not smokers from trying alternative tobacco products," said Neily.

The Faculty of Dentistry at Unpad has conducted research on alternative tobacco products titled "Gum Response in Vape Users During Induced Gingivitis (Experimental Gingivitis)." This clinical study aimed to determine the extent to which alternative tobacco products impact gum defense against plaque bacteria in e-cigarette users compared to smokers.

The results of this study proved that e-cigarette users who had quit smoking showed an improvement in gum quality. This was evidenced by the level of inflammation and gum bleeding being the same as experienced by non-smokers. This means that the gum defense condition of e-cigarette users had returned to normal.

On a different occasion, the Head of the Health Research Organization at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Ni Luh Putu Indi Dharmayanti, added that based on research, alternative tobacco products indeed have a lower risk profile compared to cigarettes.

"Research on alternative tobacco products still yields varied results. In general, the content of harmful substances in alternative tobacco products is indeed lower than in cigarettes," she explained.

Source: Detik