Key Takeaways:

  • BRIN conducted Indonesia’s first laboratory study on e-cigarettes, testing 60 vape samples alongside 3 conventional cigarettes.
  • Testing focused on nine WHO-identified toxicants, including formaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (NNN, NNK).
  • E-cigarette emissions showed significantly lower toxicant levels than conventional cigarettes: formaldehyde 10× lower, acrolein 115× lower, benzene 6,000× lower; several toxicants were undetectable.
  • Researchers emphasized the need for quality control, accurate labeling, and standardized testing according to international protocols.
  • The study serves as a foundation for evidence-based tobacco policy and encourages cross-sector collaboration between science, government, and industry.

Jakarta, Indonesia – BRIN Conducts Landmark E-Cigarette Study

Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), through its Center for Testing Technology and Standards, has unveiled the country’s first laboratory study on the content of harmful substances in liquid-based e-cigarettes. The study, titled “Evaluation of Laboratory Tests for E-Cigarettes in Indonesia Based on WHO’s Nine Toxicants,” was presented during the “E-Cigarette Study in Indonesia” press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

BRIN researcher Bambang Prasetya explained that the study examined 60 vape samples representing various brands and nicotine levels available in the Indonesian market, alongside three types of conventional cigarettes for comparison.

BRIN Study Finds E Cigarettes Produce Dramatically Lower Harmful

Focus on WHO-Identified Toxicants

The laboratory tests measured nine key toxic compounds identified by the World Health Organization (WHO): formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, benzo[a]pyrene, and two tobacco-specific nitrosamines (NNN and NNK).

The results indicated that e-cigarette emissions contain significantly lower levels of these toxicants compared to conventional cigarettes:

  • Formaldehyde: 10 times lower
  • Acrolein: 115 times lower
  • Benzene: 6,000 times lower
  • Carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, NNN, and NNK: not detected

These findings provide a new scientific foundation for understanding the toxicological profile of alternative tobacco products in Indonesia.

Lower Emissions, But Continued Oversight Needed

While e-cigarettes produce much lower emissions than traditional cigarettes, researchers stressed the importance of quality control, accurate labeling, and standardized testing according to international protocols.

“Our findings show that e-cigarette emissions contain substantially lower toxicant levels compared to conventional cigarettes,” said Bambang Prasetya. “Although compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzo[a]pyrene were detected, their levels are significantly below those found in traditional cigarettes.”

Prof. Bambang emphasized that e-cigarettes carry lower risk, but strict quality control and standardized testing are essential to ensure user safety.

Building a Scientific Foundation for Tobacco Policy

This study represents a milestone for BRIN in strengthening Indonesia’s national scientific data regarding alternative tobacco products and nicotine technologies. By providing evidence-based insights, BRIN aims to support proportional public policy development in tobacco control.

“These findings mark an initial step in building a scientific foundation for tobacco policy in Indonesia. By understanding the toxicant profiles of various nicotine products accurately, both government and society can make more informed, evidence-based decisions,” Bambang said.

Bridging Science and Public Policy

Beyond publishing research, BRIN’s dissemination activities serve as a platform to connect science with public policy. The forum brought together stakeholders including academics, researchers, government ministries and agencies, and industry representatives to interpret research findings objectively and develop a comprehensive understanding of e-cigarette issues.

Through this approach, BRIN is committed to cross-sector research collaboration, strengthening national testing capacity, and improving public scientific literacy and risk communication.

As a result, research outcomes are intended to be credible references for policy formulation that protect public health while accommodating industry innovation dynamics.

“BRIN encourages research like this to be integrated into regulatory and public policy processes. With cross-sector collaboration, we can ensure decisions not only protect public health but also promote responsible innovation in the domestic industry,” Prof. Bambang concluded.