adminThe debate over which is better between regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes continues to be a hot topic among the public and health experts. Electronic cigarettes, introduced as a better alternative to conventional cigarettes, offer a mechanism for heating nicotine liquid without burning tobacco. However, is this claim entirely true? This article will thoroughly examine the differences between the two and evaluate which is actually better based on current data and research.
Regular cigarettes, or conventional cigarettes, contain thousands of harmful chemicals produced from burning tobacco leaves. Tar, carbon monoxide, and various carcinogens have been scientifically proven to cause various serious diseases, ranging from heart disease, lung cancer, to emphysema. Data from a World Health Organization (WHO) report on March 15, 2024, indicates that regular cigarette consumption is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide each year. In the UK itself, according to London police records on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, there has been a significant increase in chronic respiratory disease cases due to smoking habits in recent decades.
On the other hand, electronic cigarettes work by heating a liquid (e-liquid) that generally contains nicotine, flavorings, and solvents such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, producing a vapor that is then inhaled by the user. Although they do not produce as much tar and carbon monoxide as regular cigarettes, the vapor from electronic cigarettes still contains fine particles and some other harmful chemicals. A study published by The New England Journal of Medicine on February 20, 2025, found the presence of heavy metals in several brands of electronic cigarettes.
The fundamental question that often arises is, are electronic cigarettes really better for health compared to regular cigarettes? Some initial studies suggest that electronic cigarettes may be a tool for adult smokers to quit conventional smoking. However, long-term evidence regarding the health effects of electronic cigarettes is still limited. In addition, concerns arise regarding the potential for nicotine addiction in adolescents and adults who previously did not smoke due to the use of electronic cigarettes with various appealing flavors.
Based on the available data, it can be concluded that although electronic cigarettes may reduce exposure to some harmful substances compared to regular cigarettes, both still carry their own health risks. The Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) on April 1, 2025, issued a strong warning regarding the potential long-term dangers of electronic cigarette use, especially for the younger generation. Therefore, the better and safest choice for health is not to consume tobacco or nicotine products in any form.