Vapeboss – Scientific studies on alternative tobacco products conducted domestically need to be increased so that information related to these products can be more comprehensive for the government and stakeholders.

From a number of studies conducted by several universities in Indonesia, the results show that alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes (vape) and heated tobacco products have a lower health risk profile than cigarettes.

Prof. Dr. Achmad Syawqie Yazid, Drg. MS from Universitas Padjajaran (Unpad) explained that his team had conducted research on the risk profile of alternative tobacco products titled "The Genotoxic Potential of Electronic Cigarettes on Micronucleus Count: A Preliminary Study."

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

The study involved 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,” he said in his statement on Saturday (4/2/2023).

Furthermore, Professor Syawqie explained that genotoxic potential is the potential for genetic damage characterized by cell changes.

The results of this study showed that the micronucleus count of alternative tobacco product users and non-smokers was in the normal category, ranging from 76-85.

Meanwhile, the micronucleus count of active smokers was in the high category, namely 145.1. A higher micronucleus count indicates cell instability due to exposure to toxic compounds, which is an indicator of cancer in the oral cavity.

“Scientific studies on alternative tobacco products in the country must be increased to provide comprehensive information to the government and stakeholders regarding the potential and risk profile of alternative tobacco products,” said Professor Syawqie.

Similar evidence regarding the low-risk profile of alternative tobacco products was also shown by a study conducted by academics from the Faculty of Dentistry, Unpad, namely Dr. Amaliya, drg., Ph.D, Dr. drg. Agus Susanto, M.Kes., Sp.Perio. (K), and drg. Jimmy Gunawan, Sp.Perio, with the title "Gingival Response in Vape Users During Induced Gingival Inflammation (Experimental Gingivitis)."

Dr. Amaliya explained that the study aimed to find out how much alternative tobacco products impact the gum's defense against dental plaque bacteria in e-cigarette users compared to conventional smokers.

The study involved 15 respondents aged 18-55 years, divided into three groups with an uneven gender distribution.

“These findings prove that e-cigarette users who have stopped smoking show an improvement in gum quality, similar to what non-smokers experience,” she said.

With these findings, Dr. Amaliya hopes that more domestic academics and researchers will conduct comprehensive scientific research on alternative tobacco products.

The results of these studies can then be used as accurate informational references. This is because there are still many misconceptions and incorrect information about these products in public.

“Indeed, research on alternative tobacco products in Indonesia is still limited. I hope the government or authorized institutions support further research and studies of alternative tobacco products so that they can be disseminated to the public, especially adult smokers,” she explained.

Source: Tribunnews