Humectants in water pipe tobacco increase health risk
BfR recommends to maintain the limitation of the humectant content at 5%
Water pipes, also known as oriental tobacco pipes are smoked in large parts of the world. Depending on the country of origin, they are referred to as Shisha, Boory, Narghile, Arghile, Hookha, Goza or Hubble-Bubble. During the past years the use of water pipes has significantly increased throughout the world. According to a study by the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), little less than 40% of the 13 to 17-year-olds interviewed in Gemany in 2008 stated that they had already smoked a water pipe.
In Germany the Tobacco Ordinance restricts the content of humectants such as glycerine or 1,2-propandiol in water pipe tobacco to a maximum of 5%. This results in a reduced smoke development. In countries such as Jordan, Egypt or Switzerland water pipe tobacco includes, however, a significantly higher share of humectants.
Experimental studies by BfR prove that a large part of the humectants contained in tobacco (glycerine and 1,2-propandiol) migrate to the smoke and can be inhaled. It is known from scientific literature that the inhalation of glycerine and 1,2-propandiol leads to changes to the cellular epithelium of the larynx, irritations of the nasal mucosa and even nose bleeding. For that reason BfR upholds its recommendation to maintain the maximum admissible content of humectants in water pipe tobacco at 5%.
The studies by BfR also confirmed that many other contaminants such as carbon monoxide (CO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are contained in water pipe smoke. It is, therefore, to be expected that regular water pipe smoking involves similar health risks as cigarette smoking.
Most read news
Topics
Organizations
Other news from the department science
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.