Harm profiling of smoke from tobacco cigarettes and commercially available noncombustible nicotine products in Malaysia 

MSHR is currently running a research initiative in partnership with PEMANDU Associates, focused on understanding and profiling the harm caused by different smoking products, such as tobacco cigarettes, vapes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in Malaysia. 

While smoking rates are going down worldwide, the persistent prevalence of the tobacco pandemic necessitates effective strategies to mitigate nicotine addiction and its associated burdens on public health. The emergence of Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes/vapes) and HTPs has offered a potential avenue for harm reduction alternatives to traditional smoking. At the same time, uncertainties remain regarding their actual health implications.

This research aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps by conducting analyses and laboratory studies on the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter concentrations from tobacco cigarettes, vapes, and HTPs available in Malaysia. By utilising advanced techniques such as Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (TD-GCMS) for VOC analysis and real-time AS-LUNG air sensing device for particulate matter concentration measurement, the study seeks to provide comprehensive harm profiling associated with these nicotine products. 

While traditional cigarettes are known for their high levels of toxic VOCs which are harmful to our lungs when inhaled, noncombustible alternatives such as e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco products, also discharge the same harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. 

Vaping, in particular, has witnessed a surge in popularity among young adults and adolescents, raising alarms due to the rising number of reported E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) cases tied to the safety of the chemical composition of e-liquids.  

The findings of the study have the potential to inform policymakers, public health authorities, and the general public about the relative risks associated with different nicotine delivery systems. Furthermore, understanding the composition and concentration of harmful constituents in smoke and aerosols can facilitate evidence-based policy-making and public health interventions in reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases.

Through collaborative efforts between academia, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, this research strives to advance our understanding of the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products and promote public health interventions tailored to the Malaysian context.