JAKARTA - Member of the Bandung Institute of Technology (SF-ITB) Pharmacy study team Rahmana Emran Kartasasmita said a comprehensive scientific study related to alternative tobacco products is needed as a valid source of information for smokers who want to leave conventional cigarettes.
He said that currently research on alternative tobacco products in Indonesia is still minimal, so it takes the will of various parties to conduct experimental research related to products that include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine bags.
Previously, he explained, SF-ITB had conducted a scientific literature study entitled "Comparison of Health Risk Profiles for Tobacco Products Heated by Indonesian Kretek Cigarette Versus" which concluded that comparatively heated tobacco has a lower risk than cigarettes.
"I invite all groups, from academics to other researchers, to conduct this research and conduct further studies of the findings. The results of the study can be used as a prefix to enrich academic text for policymakers, other researchers, as well as for the understanding of the general public," he said in his statement, quoted from Antara, Saturday 12 November.
On a different occasion, in the discussion of the THR Challenges & Prospect: From Scientific Environment to Peoples Needs Satisfaction panel, at 5th Scientific Summit Athens, Greece, last September, Tom Gleeson of the European Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates, revealed that scientific studies play an important role in comparing the risk profiles owned by alternative tobacco products with cigarettes.
He also believes that currently the scientific studies that compare the two products are still very minimal.
"The main challenge currently facing is how to produce adequate and accurate data in providing valid information to consumers, doctors, regulators, and politicians about alternative tobacco products and their risk profiles," said Tom.
By obtaining accurate information about alternative tobacco products, policymakers are expected to formulate comprehensive policies on these products.
"They must be constantly informed about the development and technological innovation in the tobacco products industry to make the most appropriate decisions for legislative measures and policy recommendations," he said.
Executive Director of the International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations (INNCO), Charles Gardner added, various parties need to encourage more research that focuses on comparing the risk profile between alternative tobacco products and cigarettes.
Charles continued that the research results can be used to convince adult smokers who find it difficult to quit smoking to switch to alternative tobacco products that have scientifically proven to have a product risk profile that is much lower than cigarettes. According to him, this is very important.
"If adult smokers are not given the option to switch to alternative tobacco products, then this is negligence," he stressed.
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