Toxicity of waterpipe tobacco smoking: the role of flavors, sweeteners, humectants, and charcoal.

ABSTRACT: Waterpipe tobacco (WPT) smoking is a public health concern, particularly among youth and young adults. The global spread of WPT use has surged because the introduction of pre-packaged flavored and sweetened WPT, which is widely marketed as a safer tobacco alternative. Besides flavorants and sugars, WPT additives include humectants, which enhance the moisture and sweetness of WPT, act as solvents for flavors, and impart smoothness to the smoke, thus increasing appeal to users. In the United States, unlike cigarette tobacco flavoring (with the exception of menthol), there is no FDA product standard or policy in place prohibiting sales of flavored WPT. Research has shown that the numerous fruit, candy, and alcohol flavors added to WPT entice individuals to experience those flavors, putting th

SUBMITTER: Kassem NOF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11424890 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature