Prevent Hoaxes, Research on Alternative Tobacco Products Needs to be Improved

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - Various false information, as known as hoaxes, about alternative tobacco products are still widely circulated in the community. To reduce this misinformation, it is necessary to increase scientific studies on alternative tobacco products conducted in the country.

 

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

 

“The aim is to educate the public about these products based on scientific evidence so as to prevent misinformation,” said Neily when interviewed by reporters on Monday (3/4).

 

Neily added that alternative tobacco products, such as heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches, are different from cigarettes in terms of their characteristics, safety, and risk profile.

 

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 profile of alternative tobacco products vary greatly, so scientific studies must be conducted,” she said.

 

In order for the scientific study of alternative tobacco products in the country to be implemented immediately, Neily emphasized the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders, such as the government, academics, industry players, and the community. Multidisciplinary collaboration with the pentahelix concept involving all sectors, including mass media and communities, also needs to be pursued.

 

“Comprehensive scientific studies can provide information and evidence on the risk profile and potential of alternative tobacco products. It is also hoped that these studies can prevent non-smokers from trying alternative tobacco products,” said Neily.

 

The UNPAD Faculty of Dentistry has conducted research on alternative tobacco products with the title “Gum Response in Vape Users When Experiencing Artificial Gum Inflammation (Experimental Gingivitis)”. The clinical research aims to determine the extent to which alternative tobacco products have an impact on gum defense against dental plaque bacteria in e-cigarette users compared to smokers.

 

The results prove that e-cigarette users who have quit smoking show improved gum quality. This is evidenced by the same level of gum inflammation and bleeding as experienced by non-smokers. This means that the gum defense condition of e-cigarette users has returned to normal.

 

On a different occasion, Head of the Health Research Organization of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Ni Luh Putu Indi Dharmayanti, added that based on research, alternative tobacco products do have a lower risk profile than cigarettes. “Research on alternative tobacco products has mixed results. In general, the content of harmful ingredients from alternative tobacco products is lower than cigarettes,” she said.***