Electronic cigarettes PICKING smoking habits? Check out the fact here!

In recent years, electronic cigarettes, or better known as Vape, have become the concern of many people. Some parties state that this product can actually trigger smoking, especially among teenagers. However, the claim is not fully supported by existing scientific facts.

The Chairperson of the Indonesian Vaporizer Personal Association (APVI), Budiyanto, stressed that electronic cigarettes are designed for use by adult smokers who want to reduce or change their habits. According to him, this alternative tobacco product is not an option aimed at teenagers or non-smokers. “Alternative tobacco products are designed and the main purpose is intended for adult smokers who want to look for lower risk options than cigarettes,” he explained in an explanation on May 28, 2025.

Research conducted by APVI together with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) shows that alternative tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, have lower risk profiles compared to conventional cigarettes, especially in terms of toxic compounds. The results of the study recorded testing of nine substances that must be limited according to the standard of the World Health Agency (WHO). These findings reveal that some dangerous substances, such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, and formaldehyde, are not detected in alternative tobacco products.

Although this product is declared to have a lower risk, Budiyanto also reminded that it does not mean without risk. “Use must still be done responsibly,” he added. The results of this research will be used by APVI in public education programs to help adult smokers who are looking for ways to stop smoking.

A study published in January 2025 entitled “Electronic Cigarettes and Subsequent Cigarettes Smoking in Young People: A Systematic Review” provides further evidence of the role of electronic cigarettes. This study involved an analysis of 123 studies with participants of around 4 million people under the age of 29 years from various countries, including the United States, Canada and Western Europe. The findings of the study show that an increase in the use of electronic cigarettes is not correlated with increasing smoking habits. On the contrary, when access to electronic cigarettes is limited, the smoking habit rate has increased.

Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States confirms this trend. Smoking habits among adolescents have declined significantly over the years. Of the 15.8% of high school students reporting smoking in the last 30 days in 2011, the figure has fallen to only 1.7% in 2024.

Although several studies show a decline pattern, not all studies produce similar results. Some reports show that there is an increase in smoking in certain groups, especially among adolescents, who seem more potential to experience transition to traditional smoking habits. Therefore, there is a need to continue to conduct research and in -depth evaluation of the long -term effects of electronic cigarettes.

Seeing the data and facts, it is important to respond to claims about electronic cigarettes wisely. Apart from the existing controversy, the research that has been done shows that this product can be a safer choice for adult smokers who want to reduce health risks. Efforts to educate the community, especially the younger generation, regarding the use and risks of electronic cigarettes are the key in overcoming this problem and creating a healthier environment.