The Misconceptions and Dangers of E-cigarettes: Indonesian Perspective

According to a report from Jakarta Times on January 9th, Agus Dwi Susanto, the Chairman of the Indonesian Pulmonologist Association, has cautioned the public about the serious misconceptions surrounding e-cigarettes.

A study conducted in 2021 revealed that 17.2% of the 937 respondents in Jakarta used e-cigarettes due to their flavor preference, while an additional 3.4% opted for them because of the produced vapor. Furthermore, 1.7% of individuals reported using e-cigarettes simply to follow the current trend.

Angus de Vey Sianto pointed out that "a large number of people mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes have lower nicotine levels and can be used as a smoking cessation or replacement therapy, and this group accounts for as much as 76.7%." He made this statement on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Furthermore, a study conducted in 2019 among 104 students at an Indonesian university found that the majority of respondents had a positive perception of e-cigarettes in terms of their definition, components, and pros and cons. However, Sianto believes that e-cigarettes are just as harmful to the body as traditional cigarettes, as they contain the same harmful substances.

He explained in detail that both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes contain substances that are addictive, highly stimulating, and capable of causing inflammatory reactions.

E-cigarettes also contain nicotine, carcinogens, and other irritating toxic substances, despite the absence of carbon monoxide (CO) and tar in the vapor. According to Mr. Santos, e-cigarettes contain some potentially addictive nicotine, potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines, as well as glycerin or propylene glycol components that may cause respiratory and lung irritation.