Details Of Lab Test Results Of Hazardous Substances In Electric Cigarettes

Illustration of e-cigarettes (Unpslash)

JAKARTA The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) through the Center for Testing and Standard Technology Research explained the results of the first laboratory study in Indonesia regarding the content of hazardous substances in liquid-based e-cigarettes.

The study entitled "Evaluation of Laboratory Tests for E-Cigarettes in Indonesia Based on WHO's Nine Toxicants" was presented in the "Electric Cigarette Study Press Conference in Indonesia" activity.

Prof. Bambang Prasetya, one of the BRIN researchers, explained that research was carried out on 60 vape samples representing various brands and nicotine levels in the market, as well as three types of conventional cigarettes as comparisons.

Laboratory testing focused on the nine main toxic compounds set by the World Health Organization (WHO), namely formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, carbon monoxide, 1.3-butadiene, benzena, benzo[a]pyrene, as well as two tobacco specificsamins (NNN and NNK).

The results showed that the toxic compound levels in emission of e-cigarettes were much lower than conventional cigarettes. The details are:

- Formaldehyde 10 times lower

- Acrolein 115 times lower

- Benzena 6,000 times lower

- Carbon monoxide, 1.3-butadiene, NNN, and NNK were not detected.

This finding provides a new scientific basis for understanding the toxicology profile of alternative tobacco products in Indonesia. Although e-cigarettes produce much lower emissions, Prof. Bambang emphasized that quality supervision, accurate labeling, and testing standardization according to international protocols are still needed.

"The results of our study show that emissions from e-cigarettes do contain a much lower toxicity rate than conventional cigarettes. Although compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzo[a]pyrene are found, the amount is significant under conventional cigarettes," said Prof. Bambang, when met at the Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

"This fact shows that these e-cigarettes are lower in risk but still requires strict quality supervision and testing standardization to ensure user safety," he added.

This study is BRIN's first step in strengthening national scientific data related to alternative tobacco products and nicotine technology. This research is also expected to form the basis for public policies based on scientific evidence (evidence-based policy making) in tobacco control.

"This finding is the first step in building the scientific foundation of tobacco policy in Indonesia. By accurately understanding the toxicity profile of various nicotine products, the government and society can make wiser and evidence-based decisions," added Prof. Bambang.

Apart from being a research publication, this conference is a means for BRIN to bridge science with public policy. The forum presents academics, researchers, ministries and government agencies, to industry players to interpret research results objectively and build comprehensive understanding of e-cigarettes.

BRIN also emphasized its commitment to encouraging cross-sectoral research collaboration, strengthening national testing capacity, and increasing science literacy and risk communication in the community. Thus, research results not only stop at scientific publications, but become a credible reference for policy formulation that protects public health while accommodating industrial innovation.

"BRIN encourages this kind of research not to stop in the laboratory, but to be integrated into the process of drafting regulations and public policies. With cross-sectoral collaboration, we can ensure that the decisions taken not only protect public health, but also encourage innovation responsible in the domestic industry," he stressed.