Vapeboss – Alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches need to have their profiles and risks substantiated through more intensive scientific studies. This is because the results of these scientific studies can then serve as a basis for utilizing alternative tobacco products as one option to address the smoking problem in Indonesia.

Researcher and Lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Neily Zakiyah, stated that information about the risk profile and benefits of alternative tobacco products should be disseminated based on facts and substantiated 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,” said Neily.

She added that alternative tobacco products such as heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches differ from cigarettes in terms of their characteristics, safety, and risk profiles. Therefore, scientific studies must be conducted in detail to avoid generalization between alternative tobacco products and cigarettes.

“The characteristics, safety, and risk profiles of alternative tobacco products vary greatly, 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 public. 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 non-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 Vaping Users During Induced Gum Inflammation (Experimental Gingivitis).” This clinical study aimed to determine the extent to which alternative tobacco products impact gum defense against dental plaque bacteria in e-cigarette users compared to smokers.

The results of this study proved that e-cigarette users who quit smoking showed an improvement in gum quality. This was demonstrated by the equalization of inflammation and gum bleeding rates to those of non-smokers. This means that the gum defense condition of e-cigarette users has 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 diverse results. Generally, the content of harmful substances in alternative tobacco products is lower than in cigarettes,” she stated.

Source: Suara