Vapeboss – Chairman of the Indonesian Vapers Alliance (AVI), Johan Sumantri, stated that alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches have a low-risk profile and can be an option for adult smokers who find it difficult to quit their smoking habit.

According to Johan, the use of alternative tobacco products is currently not just a trend or a seasonal phenomenon. Moreover, people are now increasingly aware of the health risks posed by cigarettes.

"Many adult smokers are switching to alternative tobacco products because they understand that the risks are lower than those of conventional cigarettes," he said.

The reason for the low-risk profile of alternative tobacco products is that their use does not involve a combustion process but rather heating. Thus, these products have a 90-95 percent lower risk than conventional cigarettes.

This is supported by several scientific studies from both domestic and international sources, including scientific studies by Public Health England (now known as the UK Health Security Agency). Also, the research titled "Evidence Review of E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products 2018" conducted by the Department of Health and Social Care in the UK.

"Scientific studies on alternative tobacco products are important to promote so that the public becomes more aware of their risk profile and benefits. This will be very useful, especially for adult smokers who choose to continue using tobacco or nicotine products," said Johan.

Despite the lower risk, the Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Consumers Association (AKVINDO), Paido Siahaan, suggested that children and pregnant women should not consume these products. This is also in line with regulations that only permit smoking for those aged 18 and above.

"This means that those below that age are prohibited from using tobacco products. Also, these products are not intended for those who have never smoked, even if they are old enough to use them," said Paido.

One piece of evidence that e-cigarettes are effective in helping adult smokers switch from cigarettes is also contained in the Cochrane Review report published in November 2022. The report summarizes research findings from the United States (34 studies), the UK (16 studies), and Italy (8 studies). The results of the report showed that smokers have a high potential to switch from their habit after using e-cigarettes for six months compared to using nicotine replacement therapy.

Source: IDNTimes