Kretek Cigarettes and Particulate Matter Emissions—An Aerosol Spectrometric Study on Typical Indonesian Brands Flavored With Cloves

Abstract

Introduction

In Indonesia, smoking is widespread. The same applies to second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure. More than 90% of Indonesian smokers smoke clove cigarettes, so-called Kreteks. They often contain more tar and nicotine than conventional cigarettes, but little is known about particulate matter (PM) emissions. In smokers’ homes, SHS is the main source of PM that is hazardous to health. This study presents data of PM emissions from Kreteks.

Methods

SHS was generated in a closed 2.88 m³ measuring chamber. PM fractions (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM₁) of three popular Kretek brands (two king-sized and one slim-sized) in comparison to conventional cigarettes and a reference cigarette were measured by laser aerosol spectroscopy in real-time.

Results

The king-sized Kreteks reached PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 mean concentrations of up to about 3000 µg/m³, and PM₁ mean concentrations of up to about 2700 µg/m³. Consequently, these Kreteks emitted up to about 100% more PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, respectively 84% more PM₁ than the reference cigarette, and up to about 260% more PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, respectively 234% more PM₁ than the other investigated cigarettes.

Conclusions

PM emissions from Kreteks can be very high. The Indonesian public should be informed and warned about it, considering the high prevalence of smoking and SHS exposure, in particular. The Indonesian tobacco control regulation is limited, and it is overdue to start with a serious and effective tobacco control policy. PM declaration to government authorities could be useful in smoking prevention and tobacco control.

Implications

Research data are limited for Kretek cigarettes, including data on particulate matter (PM). The clove buds in Kretek cigarettes are for flavoring the smoke and shall soften the smoke feeling. That makes them very popular in Indonesia, in particular. The declaration of PM data of Kreteks and other tobacco products can play a key role in a more effective tobacco policy to reduce consumption of tobacco products, not only in Indonesia. To provide data on PM emissions, this study ascertained PM amounts in passive smoke from Indonesian Kreteks.