TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Electric cigarettes (e-cigarettes) that are present in Indonesia are becoming increasingly common day by day. Many studies mention that it can give the same taste as conventional cigarettes do. Some even say that the advantage of e-cigarette that it has fewer negative effects to your body.

But is it true? General Chairman of the Indonesian Respiratory Association (PDPI), Agus Dwi Susanto denies it. He said that the public must be educated that both conventional cigarette and e-cigarettes have the same negative impact on health.

Agus also explained that conventional cigarettes and electric are considered equal because they consist of the same chemicals. Moreover, both types of cigarettes also contained nicotine.

“Meaning both cigarettes can cause addiction and in the long term can cause cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack,” he said in a Media Gathering along with the Ministry of Health in Jakarta, January 15, 2020.

Besides the nicotine, both conventional and e-cigarettes also contained toxic. According to Agus, toxic on those cigarettes can cause lung inflammation.

“This can increase higher risk of asthma, acute respiratory infections (ISPA), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PPOK),” he explained.

Lastly, the dangerous content of conventional and electric cigarettes is carcinogens. Agus explained that carcinogens are substance that can cause cancer.

"In conventional cigarettes, carcinogens are found in tar. Whereas in electronic cigarettes, carcinogenic compounds are broken down into nitrosamines and PM 2.5," he said.

For this reason, Agus stressed that people should stop using e-cigarettes because both conventional and electric cigarettes are dangerous.

"Forget any e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes, the most important thing is getting healthier overall, "he said.

Sarah Ervina Dara Siyahailatua | Safira Andini