Waterpipe-associated particulate matter emissions
Abstract
Waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasingly common worldwide, and evidence about its harmful effects to smokers is emerging. However, no studies have investigated the potential exposure of nonsmokers to waterpipe smoke. We measured particulate matter (PM) emissions (PM2.5, PM10) before and during laboratory sessions in which 20 individuals used a waterpipe to smoke tobacco and 20 individuals smoked a cigarette (10 for each particle-size/smoking-method), as well as 10 waterpipe and 10 cigarette smoldering sessions (i.e., without a smoker). A TSI-SidePak aerosol monitor obtained PM2.5, PM10 background, smoking, and maximum levels. Mean PM2.5 rose 447% for waterpipe (from 48 μg/m3 background to 264 μg/m3 smoking), and by 501% for cigarettes (from 44 μg/ m3 to 267 μg/m3), whereas mean PM10 rose by 563% for waterpipe (from 55 μg/m3 to 365 μg/m3), and by 447% for cigarettes (from 52 μg/m3 to 287 μg/m3) (p<.05 for all). The increase in PM during cigarette smoking was due primarily to PM2.5, given that the proportion of PM2.5 from total PM10 increase was 95% compared with 70% for waterpipe (p<.05). Maximum PM2.5 was 908 μg/m3 for waterpipe and 575 μg/m3 for cigarettes, whereas maximum PM10 was 1052 μg/m3 for waterpipe and 653 μg/m3 for cigarettes. Mean PM2.5 and PM10 smoldering levels did not differ from background for waterpipe but were significantly higher for cigarettes (PM2.5: 33-190 μg/ m3; PM10: 42-220 μg/m3). Policymakers considering clean air regulations should include waterpipe tobacco smoking, and the public should be warned about this source of smoke exposure.
Publication Title
Nicotine and Tobacco Research
Recommended Citation
Maziak, W., Rastam, S., Ibrahim, I., Ward, K., & Eissenberg, T. (2008). Waterpipe-associated particulate matter emissions. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 10 (3), 519-523. https://doi.org/10.1080/14622200801901989
