Electric Cigarettes Are Called Safer Than Ordinary Cigarettes, Check The Results Of Latest Studies In Indonesia

JAKARTA - Electric cigarettes (REL) are increasingly popular as an alternative for adult smokers in Indonesia. Although international studies show that e-cigarettes have a lower health risk than conventional cigarettes, relevant data for the Indonesian market is still limited.

This data shortage creates uncertainty for consumers and policymakers regarding the safety and regulation of this product.

Recent research by Biatna Dulbert Tampubolon, Bambang Prasetya, Daryono Retta Wahono, and colleagues from the Center for Testing and Standard Technology Research, the National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia, provide a comprehensive analysis of the chemical content and potential risks of e-cigarettes circulating in Indonesia, particularly based on the nine main toxicities identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Electric cigarette products consist of two main categories, namely e-liquids and heated tobacco products (HTP). This study focuses on e-liquids, namely fluids containing glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, and periasa, which are heated to produce aerosols or vapors inhaled by users.

WHO has determined nine main toxics that must be minimized in tobacco products, which are grouped into three categories, namely carbonyl compounds (formaldehyda, acetaldehyde, acrolein), volatile organic compounds (benzene, 1.3-butadiene, benzo[a]pyrene, carbon monoxide), and tobacco-specific mitigation sensitivities (NNN, NNK) compounds.

"These compounds are associated with irritation of the respiratory tract, cancer, and the long-term health impact," said Biatna Dulbert Tampubolon, when met at the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

In this study, 60 samples of e-cigarettes circulating in Indonesia were analyzed and compared to conventional cigarettes. The results show that the level of nine main toxicities in e-cigarette vapor is significantly lower, even 6,500 times compared to conventional cigarette smoke.

However, nicotine levels that are actually in e-liquid are generally lower than those listed on product labels, posing challenges for consumers in regulating nicotine intake.

However, the Mann-Whitney U test shows that the average suction nicotine between electric cigarettes and conventional cigarettes is not significantly different. This indicates that e-cigarettes remain effective in delivering nicotine to adult users.

Data visualization shows a clear separation between conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

"Conventional cigarettes have strong correlations with a high level of nine toxics, while all e-cigarette samples have very low toxicity levels. This confirms that although REL is not completely risk-free, the rate of toction is much lower than conventional cigarettes," said Biatna.

The results of the study also showed that carbon monoxide, 1.3-butadiene, benzene, NNN, and NNK were not detected or below detection limits on all e-cigarette samples. Benzo[a]pyrene was detected in several samples, but at levels too low to be accurately identified.

Aldehida, such as formaldehyde and adaldehyde, was detected in low levels in several samples, stressing the need for quality control.

"The inaccuracies of nicotine labeling on e-liquid products highlight the need for stricter regulations to ensure consumers can control their nicotine intake," Biatna said.

This study has some limitations. The sample size, although representative, does not cover all products available in the market. The analysis is focused on chemical composition and does not evaluate long-term biological effects or health risks directly.

User behavior is standardized in testing, so it may differ from real-world conditions. Follow-up research is recommended, including long-term epidemiological studies on REL users in Indonesia, cell-based clinical trials to understand the biological impact, expansion of testing on more products and toxicities, as well as the development of accredited independent testing facilities.

"Overall, e-cigarettes show the potential as an alternative with a lower risk than conventional cigarettes. However, the presence of certain toxic compounds and inaccuracies of nicotine labeling emphasizes the need for clear and proof-based regulations," said Biatna.

The main recommendation for the tobacco industry is to innovate to reduce product impacts, while the government needs to develop a mature tobacco policy with scientific data considerations and long-term planning.