Work

Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking: An Emerging Health Crisis in the United States

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and potential health risks of waterpipe tobacco smoking. METHODS: A literature review was performed to compile information relating to waterpipe tobacco smoking. RESULTS: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing in prevalence worldwide; in the United States, 10-20% of some young adult populations are current waterpipe users. Depending on the toxicant measured, a single waterpipe session produces the equivalent of at least 1 and as many as 50 cigarettes. Misconceptions about waterpipe smoke content may lead users to underestimate health risks. CONCLUSION: Inclusion of waterpipe tobacco smoking in tobacco control activities may help reduce its spread.

Source: American Journal of Health Behavior

DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.34.3.3

Authors: Caroline Cobb, Kenneth D. Ward, Wasim Maziak, Alan L. Shihadeh, Thomas Eissenberg

Institutions: Virginia Commonwealth University, Syrian Center for Tobacco Studies, University of Memphis, American University of Beirut

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Cancer Institute, Fogarty International Center