Vape regulations need to be accelerated, doctor: Teenagers become vulnerable group
Jakarta (ANTARA) -
The Professor in Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), Prof. Dr. Dr. Agus Dwi Susanto, Sp.P(K), FISR, FAPSR, assesses that regulations on electronic cigarettes or vapes in Indonesia remain loose, potentially increasing usage, particularly among teenagers.
“Regulations for vapes are still not finalised and are relatively lax, thus requiring acceleration of governance,” Agus told ANTARA on Monday.
According to him, this situation leaves access to vapes widely open, amid rampant promotions targeting young people as part of a lifestyle.
In clinical practice, Agus notes that the impacts of vape use are already evident in healthcare services, especially among young age groups.
“Cases frequently encountered include pneumonia, asthma, up to pneumothorax or collapsed lungs,” he stated.
According to him, these findings indicate that health risks from vapes are not only long-term but can also appear in a relatively short time.
He added that this condition provides an important reason for the government to accelerate strengthening of regulations and supervision.
“Usage from a young age has the potential to cause diseases such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease to appear earlier,” he said.
According to him, this situation needs to be anticipated now to avoid creating a health burden in the future.
He assesses that prevention efforts need to be carried out comprehensively through education involving various parties, from families, healthcare workers, government, to educational institutions.
“Teenagers tend to imitate what they see. Massive promotions make vapes perceived as part of a lifestyle,” he stated.
Previously, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Suyudi Ario Seto, proposed a ban on electronic cigarettes in the Draft Law on Narcotics and Psychotropics.
He stated that Indonesia is facing the phenomenon of massive circulation of narcotic substances in liquid vape form.
“Based on laboratory test results from the BNN centre on 341 vape liquid samples, we found very shocking facts,” Suyudi said during a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta.