Assessing the Causal Relationship between Waterpipe Smoking and Bladder Cancer.

Rates of waterpipe use increase with very little data reporting any potential health consequences. The current study, a large case-control study, of 4,194 patients from Iran denotes an elevated risk of bladder cancer in exclusive waterpipe smokers compared with non-users. Additional studies are needed to further understand the risk waterpipe smoking has on bladder cancer. See related article by Hadji et al., p. 509.

Water pipe smoking and stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the damaging effects of water pipe on physical health, there is little information about the potential harmful effects of this tobacco on stroke. This study aims to investigate the relationship between water pipe smoking and stroke. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted including Ovid SP, Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases with focus on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. We reviewed all studies reporting on water pipe smoking and stroke. The funnel plot and the Egger regression test were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS: In the four eligible studies, there were a total of 2759 participants that 555 patients had at least once experienced stroke. Meta-analysis revealed positive association between water pipe smoking and stroke with pooled adjusted OR 2.79 (95% CI: 1.74-3.84; I 2 = 0 , p = . 741 ${I^2}\; = \;\;0,{\mathrm{\;}}p\;\; = {\mathrm{\;\;}}.741$ ) and the funnel plot shows asymmetry publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: We found a higher effect of water pipe smoking on stroke compared to cigarette smoking and concluded that water pipe increases the risk of stroke by 2.79. Hence, because most of the water pipe consumer society is young, especially women, policies and decisions need to be taken to control the supply of this tobacco to the market and more provide education on the health problem of water pipe smoking. IMPLICATIONS: This study provides a higher effect of water pipe smoking on stroke. Physicians and researchers who intend to study in the field of stroke should better examine the effects of water pipe (including time of use, dose-response, long-term effects, and risk factors) on stroke.

Waterpipe vs non-Waterpipe carbon monoxide poisoning: Comparison of patient characteristics, clinical presentation and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the difference between carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) acute poisoning caused by waterpipe vs non-waterpipe exposures as they relate to demographics, clinical presentations and outcome of patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study conducted in the Emergency Department (ED) at the Lebanon. PATIENTS: All adult patients presenting with a CO-Hb level ≥ 10 between January 2019 and August 2023 with exposure types stratified as waterpipe or non-waterpipe. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: 111 ED visits were identified. Among these, 73.9% were attributed to waterpipe exposure, while 26.1% were non-waterpipe sources. These included cigarette smoking (17.2%), burning coal (24.1%), fire incidents (3.6%), gas leaks (6.9%), heating device use (10.3%), and undocumented sources (37.9%). Patients with waterpipe-related carbon monoxide exposure were younger (41 vs 50 years, p = 0.015) women (63.4 vs 41.4%, p = 0.039) with less comorbidities compared to non-waterpipe exposures (22.2 vs 41.4%, p = 0.047). Waterpipe smokers were more likely to present during the summer (42.7 vs 13.8%, p = 0.002) and have shorter ED length of stays (3.9 vs 4.5 h, p = 0.03). A higher percentage of waterpipe smokers presented with syncope (52.4 vs 17.2%, p = 0.001) whereas cough/dyspnea were more common in non-waterpipe exposures (31 vs 9.8%, p = 0.006). The initial CO-Hb level was found to be significantly higher in waterpipe exposure as compared to non-waterpipe (19.7 vs 13.7, p = 0.004). Non-waterpipe exposures were more likely to be admitted to the hospital (24.1 vs 4.9%, p = 0.015). Waterpipe smokers had significantly higher odds of experiencing syncope, with a 5.74-fold increase in risk compared to those exposed to non-waterpipe sources (p = 0.004) irrespective of their CO-Hb level. Furthermore, males had significantly lower odds of syncope as compared to females, following carbon monoxide exposure (aOR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.74). CONCLUSION: CO-Hb poisoning related to waterpipe smoking has distinctive features. Syncope is a commonly associated presentation that should solicit a focused social history in communities where waterpipe smoking is common. Furthermore, CO-Hb poisoning should remain on the differential in patients presenting with headache, syncope, dizziness, vomiting or shortness of breath, even outside of the non-waterpipe exposure peaks of winter season.

Factors contributing to the rising prevalence of waterpipe smoking dependence among university students: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Waterpipe smoking (WPS) has been associated with a variety of adverse health effects, consequences, and symptoms of nicotine dependence. This study aims to determine the prevalence of WPS dependence among Palestinian university waterpipe smoking students, their normative beliefs about WPS, and their relationship to dependence. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of current WPS university students at five major Palestinian universities was conducted from September to December 2022. Participants were recruited using convenient sampling, and data collection was carried out via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. We assessed students' WPS dependence using the Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Scale. We used the Poisson regression model with robust variance to analyze factors independently associated with high WPS dependence. RESULTS: The study included 746 current WPS university students. Results revealed a high prevalence of WPS dependence, with 69.4% (95%CI: 66.0-72.7%) exhibiting high dependence. Factors contributing to high WPS dependence included dual cigarette smoking (aPR: 1.18; 95%CI: 1.12-1.25), studying medical sciences (aPR: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.10-1.18), friends' approval of WPS (aPR: 1.25; 95%CI: 1.17-1.34), daily WPS frequency (aPR: 1.98; 95%CI: 1.39-2.23), spending more than 50% of daily allowance on WPS (aPR: 1.37; 95%CI: 1.10-1.64), and morning WPS sessions (aPR: 1.97; 95%CI: 1.31-2.27). The study highlighted the influence of social factors, such as peers' approval and perceived prevalence, on WPS dependence. CONCLUSIONS: WPS dependence is prevalent among university students, and it is associated with morning WPS, dual smoking, and increased WPS frequency. Notably, peer and cultural factors are essential primary motivators. As a result, it is critical to incorporate WPS considerations into Palestine's antismoking health promotion program. Therefore, it is vital to incorporate WPS into the Palestinian antismoking health promotion policy, and the health education of adolescents regarding the dangers of WPS should coincide with antismoking initiatives.

Unveiling an Association between Waterpipe Smoking and Bladder Cancer Risk: A Multicenter Case-Control Study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist for the association between bladder cancers and waterpipe smoking, an emerging global public health concern. METHODS: We used the IROPICAN database in Iran and used multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for cigarette smoking, opium use, and other confounding factors. In addition, we studied the association between exclusive waterpipe smoking and bladder cancer. RESULTS: We analyzed 717 cases and 3,477 controls and a subset of 215 patients and 2,145 controls who did not use opium or cigarettes. Although the OR adjusted for opium, cigarettes, and other tobacco products was 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69-1.20], we observed a statistically significant elevated risk in exclusive waterpipe smokers (OR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16-2.72) compared with non-users of opium or any tobacco. Associations were strongest for smoking more than two heads/day (OR = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.21-4.18) and for initiating waterpipe smoking at an age less than 20 (OR = 2.73; 95% CI, 1.11-6.72). The OR for urothelial bladder cancer was higher in ex-smokers (OR = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.24-4.42) than in current smokers (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 0.72-3.15). All observed associations were consistently higher for urothelial histology. CONCLUSIONS: Waterpipe smoking may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, notably among individuals who are not exposed to cigarette smoking and opium. IMPACT: The study provides compelling evidence that waterpipe smoking is a confirmed human carcinogen, demanding action from policymakers. See related In the Spotlight, p. 461.

Pathophysiologic effects of waterpipe (shisha) smoke inhalation on liver morphology and function in mice.

AIMS: The global prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing. Although the cardiorespiratory, renal, and reproductive effects of waterpipe smoking (WPS) are well-documented, there is limited knowledge regarding its adverse impact on the liver. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the effects and potential mechanisms of WPS inhalation for one or four weeks on the liver. MAIN METHODS: Mice were exposed to WPS for 30 min per day, five days per week, while control mice were exposed to clean air. KEY FINDINGS: Analysis using light microscopy revealed the infiltration of immune cells (neutrophils and lymphocytes) accompanied by vacuolar hepatic degeneration upon WPS inhalation. At the four-week timepoint, electron microscopy analysis demonstrated an increased number of mitochondria with a concomitant pinching-off of hepatocyte plasma membranes. WPS exposure led to a significant rise in the activities of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the bloodstream. Additionally, WPS inhalation elevated lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels and disrupted the levels of the antioxidant glutathione in liver tissue homogenates. The concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß, was significantly increased in the WPS-exposed group. Furthermore, WPS inhalation induced DNA damage and a significant increase in the levels of cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome C and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α along with alterations in the activity of mitochondrial complexes I, II, III and IV. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings provide evidence that WPS inhalation triggers changes in liver morphology, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and alterations in mitochondrial activity.

Exclusive waterpipe smoking and the risk of nasopharynx cancer in Vietnamese men, a prospective cohort study.

Tobacco smoking is carcinogenic to humans. Besides cigarettes, the most common form of tobacco smoking, there was sparse evidence of waterpipe's carcinogenicity-induced nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). This study investigated the association between waterpipe smoking and NPC mortality. Our study followed up with 20,144 eligible man participants from nine northern Vietnam communes between 2007 and 2019. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to gather data on exclusive waterpipe and cigarette smoking and dietary intake using structured semi-quantitative food frequency and lifestyle questionnaires. Nasopharyngeal cancer was determined by accessing the medical records at the state health facilities. We estimated the Cox proportional hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals, HR (95% CI). The proportion of never smokers, exclusive waterpipe, exclusive cigarette, and dual waterpipe and cigarette smokers was 55.8%, 14.5%, 16.6%, and 13.1%, respectively. Exclusively waterpipe smokers increased the risk of NPC death compared to exclusively cigarette smokers, HR (95% CI): 4.51 (1.25, 16.31), p = 0.022. A dose-dependent positive relationship between NPC and exclusive waterpipe smoking was significantly seen for higher intensity HR (95% CI): 1.35 (1.07, 1.71), earlier age of smoking initiation HR (95% CI): 1.26 (1.06, 1.50), longer duration HR (95% CI): 1.31 (1.04, 1.66), and the cumulative number of a smoke lifetime HR (95% CI): 1.37 (1.08, 1.74). We observed a significant positive association between exclusive waterpipe smoking and NPC in men. The findings suggested that waterpipe smoking is likely more harmful than cigarettes in developing this cancer. A firm tobacco control against waterpipe smoking is highly recommended.

Waterpipe smoke inhalation induces lung injury and aortic endothelial dysfunction in mice.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WPS) inhalation has been shown to trigger endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are still unknown. Here, we assessed the impact and underlying mechanism of WPS exposure for one month on endothelial dysfunction using aortic tissue of mice. The duration of the session was 30 min/day and 5 days/week. Control mice were exposed to air. Inhalation of WPS induced an increase in the number of macrophages and neutrophils and the concentrations of protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta, and glutathione in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha, IL-6 and IL-1beta), adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin and P-selectin) and markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide) in aortic homogenates of mice exposed to WPS were significantly augmented compared with air exposed mice. Likewise, the concentration of galectin-3 was significantly increased in the aortic homogenates of mice exposed to WPS compared with control group. WPS inhalation induced vascular DNA damage assessed by comet assay and apoptosis characterized by a significant increase in cleaved caspase-3. While the aortic expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) was significantly increased following WPS inhalation, the concentration of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was significantly decreased in WPS group compared with air-exposed group. In conclusion, our study provided evidence that WPS inhalation triggers lung injury and endothelial inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis which were associated with nuclear factor-kappaB activation and SIRT1 down-regulation.

Comparisons between young adult waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers' reactions to pictorial health warning labels in Lebanon: a randomized crossover experimental study.

This study compares the impact of pictorial health warning labels (HWLs) and their placements on waterpipe parts (device, tobacco and charcoal packages) on health communication outcomes between waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers in Lebanon. An online randomized crossover experimental study was conducted among young adults (n = 403, August 2021) who observed three conditions of HWLs: pictorial HWLs on the tobacco package, pictorial HWLs on all waterpipe's parts and text-only HWL on the tobacco package in random order. Participants completed post-exposure assessments of health communication outcomes after each image. Using linear mixed models, we examined the differences in the effect of HWL conditions on several outcomes (i.e. warning reactions) between waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers, controlling for confounders (i.e. age, sex). Nonsmokers reported greater attention (ß = 0.54 [95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.82]), cognitive elaboration (0.31 [0.05-0.58]) and social interaction (0.41 [0.18-0.65]) for pictorial HWLs on the tobacco packages than text-only compared with smokers. Pictorial HWLs on three parts versus one part elicited higher cognitive reactions and perceived message effectiveness in nonsmokers compared with waterpipe smokers. These findings provide valuable information for policymakers about the potential of implementing HWLs specific to waterpipes to prevent their use among young adults and limit tobacco-related morbidity and mortality in Lebanon.

Peri-Implant Inflammation in Waterpipe Users and Cigarette Smokers: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare peri-implant clinical and radiographic status and levels of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) in waterpipe users and cigarette smokers. METHODS: Waterpipe users, cigarette smokers, and never smokers were included. Demographic details were collected using a questionnaire. Characteristics of implants (dimensions, jaw location, depth of placement, insertion torque, and duration in function) were recorded. Peri-implant modified plaque and gingival indices (mPI and mGI), probing depth (PD), and crestal bone loss (CBL) were recorded in all groups. Volume of PISF and levels of AGEs were determined using standard techniques. Sample-size estimation was done on data from a pilot investigation, and correlation between clinicoradiographic and immunoinflammatory parameters was assessed using logistic regression models. Probability values <.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In all, 25, 25, and 24 cigarette smokers, never smokers, and waterpipe users, respectively, were examined. All participants were male and had comparable mean ages. Cigarette smokers and waterpipe users had a smoking history of 20.2 ± 3.5 years and 18.8 ± 0.6 years, respectively. The mPI (P < .01), CBL (P < .01), PD (P < 0.01), and mGI (P < .01) were significantly higher in cigarette smokers and waterpipe users than never smokers. There was no significant difference in clinicoradiographic status and AGE concentrations in waterpipe users and cigarette smokers. A statistically significant correlation was recorded between AGEs and PD in cigarette smokers (P < .01) and waterpipe users (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Waterpipe usage is not less hazardous to peri-implant tissue health than conventional cigarette smoking. It is imperative to caution patients with dental implants about the detrimental effects of tobacco products on oral health.

Predicting thrombotic cardiovascular outcomes induced by waterpipe-associated chemicals using comparative toxicogenomic database: Genes, phenotypes, and pathways.

Hookah, or waterpipe, is a tobacco smoking device that has gained popularity in the United States. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that waterpipe smoke (WPS) is associated with various adverse effects on human health, including infectious diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly thrombotic events. However, the molecular mechanisms through which WPS contributes to disease development remain unclear. In this study, we utilized an analytical approach based on the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) to integrate chemical, gene, phenotype, and disease data to predict potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of WPS, based on its chemical and toxicant profile. Our analysis revealed that CVDs were among the top disease categories with regard to the number of curated interactions with WPS chemicals. We identified 5674 genes common between those modulated by WPS chemicals and traditional tobacco smoking. The CVDs with the most curated interactions with WPS chemicals were hypertension, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction, whereas "particulate matter", "heavy metals", and "nicotine" showed the highest number of curated interactions with CVDs. Our analysis predicted that the potential mechanisms underlying WPS-induced thrombotic diseases involve common phenotypes, such as inflammation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation, which are shared across all thrombotic diseases and the three aforementioned chemicals. In terms of enriched signaling pathways, we identified several, including chemokine and MAPK signaling, with particulate matter exhibiting the most statistically significant association with all 12 significant signaling pathways related to WPS chemicals. Collectively, our predictive comprehensive analysis provides evidence that WPS negatively impacts health and offers insights into the potential mechanisms through which it exerts these effects. This information should guide further research to explore and better understand the WPS and other tobacco product-related health consequences.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Waterpipe on Oral Health Status: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts of waterpipe smoking on oral health. The databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Dimensions were searched to find studies evaluating whether waterpipe smokers exhibited any cytotoxic or genotoxic effects on their oral cells compared to non-smokers, with regard to mouth neoplasms. Particularly, changes in DNA methylation and p53 expression were assessed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were adopted for the systematic review. Review Manager was utilised for statistical analysis with a significance level at P <0.05. To assess the grades of the included articles, a risk of bias analysis was summarised. A forest plot, including some of the included articles included, was created regarding the different grades. A total of 20 studies were included in this review. The results showed that waterpipe smoking has cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on oral cells, with a risk difference of 0.16. Although the published articles are few in number, all confirm the devastating effects of waterpipe smoking related to the carcinogenicity. Waterpipe smoking is harmful to oral health. It causes a series of detrimental cellular and genetic modifications such as acanthosis, epithelial dysplasia and hyperparakeratosis. In addition, waterpipe smoke contains several carcinogenic compounds. As it releases many harmful organic compounds, waterpipe smoking increases the incidence of oral cancer.

Impact of pictorial health warning labels on smoking beliefs and perceptions among waterpipe smokers: an online randomised cross-over experimental study.

PURPOSE: Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) has substantially increased among young people in Lebanon, who perceive WTS as safer than cigarettes. Health warning labels (HWLs) can inform the adverse effects associated with smoking. Thus, their application to waterpipe offers a favourable policy to limit WTS epidemic. This study assessed the effectiveness of pictorial HWLs and their placements on waterpipe parts (device, tobacco and charcoal package) on several communication outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a randomised cross-over experimental study among 276 waterpipe smokers (aged 18-34) between 13 and 26 August 2021. Participants observed three conditions: pictorial HWLs on tobacco packages, pictorial HWLs on three parts of the waterpipe (device, tobacco and charcoal package) and text only on tobacco package in random order. Participants completed baseline and postexposure assessments evaluating HWL effectiveness on attention, reaction, attitudes and beliefs, perceived effectiveness of HWLs and intention to quit WTS. Planned comparisons using Friedman test followed by pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank test for multiple comparisons were conducted. RESULTS: Compared with text only, pictorial HWLs elicited greater attention (p=0.011), higher cognitive elaboration (p=0.021), perceived message effectiveness (p=0.007), negative affect reactions (p<0.01) and greater psychological reactance (p=0.01). No significant differences were found for most communication outcomes between pictorial HWLs on three parts of the waterpipe compared with tobacco package only. CONCLUSIONS: Pictorial HWLs on tobacco package were superior to text only for several communication outcomes. These findings provide strong evidence for potential implementation of pictorial HWLs on waterpipe tobacco packages to increase smokers' awareness of the health effects of WTS and correct false safety perceptions.

The Effects of Pictorial Health Warning Label on Waterpipe (Low- and High-Frequency) Smokers' Experiences, Toxicant Exposures, and Puffing Behavior.

BACKGROUND: Pictorial health warning label (PHWL) is an effective risk communication measure among cigarette smokers. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effect of PHWL on low- and high-frequency waterpipe (WP) smokers. This study examined the effects of PHWL on puffing behavior, subjective experiences, and toxicant exposures among low- and high-frequency WP smokers in the United States (US). METHODS: Sixty current (past-month) WP smokers (low-frequency; n = 30 and high-frequency; n = 30) completed two 45-min ad libitum WP smoking sessions in a cross-over design study (WP with no-PHWL vs. WP with PHWL). We compared the mean differences of puff topography, expired carbon monoxide (eCO), plasma nicotine concentration, and subjective experiences between the two smoking groups. RESULTS: Mean age of low-frequency smokers was 21.5 years and high-frequency smokers was 21.3 years. Compared to high-frequency, low-frequency smokers had significant reduction in average total smoking time [mean difference (SD) = -7.6 (10.2) min vs. -2.6 (6.7) min, p = 0.03] and number of puffs [mean difference (SD) = -33.37 (70.7) vs. -0.70 (29.2), p = 0.02] following exposure to PHWL compared to no-PHWL condition. Post-session subjective experiences were lower among high-frequency smokers compared to low-frequency smokers following smoking WP with PHWL compared to the no-PHWL session (puff liking -1.2 vs. -0.5; puff satisfaction -1.0 vs. -0.3; craving reduction -0.5 vs. 1.2) (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that placing PHWL on the WP device may be a promising strategy with differential effectiveness among WP smokers: low-frequency (reduce puffing behaviors) and high-frequency (reduce smoking experience).

Effects of electronic cigarettes and hookah (waterpipe) use on home air quality.

INTRODUCTION: A major site of secondhand smoke exposure for children and adults is the home. Few studies have evaluated the impact of e-cigarette or hookah use on home air quality, despite evidence finding toxic chemicals in secondhand e-cigarette aerosols and hookah smoke. We assessed the effect of e-cigarette and hookah use on home air quality and compared it with air quality in homes where cigarettes were smoked and where no smoking or e-cigarette use occurred. METHODS: Non-smoking homes and homes where e-cigarettes, hookah or cigarettes were used were recruited in the New York City area (n=57) from 2015 to 2019. Particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), black carbon and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured during a smoking or vaping session, both in a 'primary' smoking room and in an adjacent 'secondary' room where no smoking or vaping occurred. Log transformed data were compared with postanalysis of variance Tukey simultaneous tests. RESULTS: Use of hookah significantly increased PM2.5 levels compared with non-smoking homes, in both the primary and secondary rooms, while use of e-cigarettes increased PM2.5 levels only in primary rooms. Additionally, in-home use of hookah resulted in greater CO concentrations than the use of cigarettes in primary rooms. CONCLUSIONS: Use of e-cigarettes or hookah increases air pollution in homes. For hookah, increases in PM2.5 penetrated even into rooms adjacent to where smoking occurs. Extending smoke-free rules inside homes to include e-cigarette and hookah products is needed to protect household members and visitors from passive exposure to harmful aerosols and gases.

El uso de la cachimba entre los adolescentes. Posibles implicaciones y variables asociadas / Waterpipe use among adolescents. Possible implications and related variables

El consumo de sustancias en cachimba (generalmente tabaco o cannabis) constituye una práctica cada vez más popular, hasta el punto de convertirse ya en un problema de salud pública emergente, con serias consecuencias tanto a nivel pulmonar, como adictivo. A pesar de la creciente preocupación que suscita, son pocos los trabajos llevados a cabo en España que se hayan ocupado de analizar esta nueva práctica desde edades tempranas. El objetivo de este trabajo no sólo es disponer de nuevos datos acerca del uso de la cachimba entre los adolescentes, sino también analizar sus posibles implicaciones y variables asociadas. Para ello, se realizó una encuesta entre estudiantes de enseñanza secundaria de la comunidad gallega. Participaron 7.613 estudiantes de 12 a 18 años (M = 14,97; DT = 1,69). Se utilizó el CRAFFT, el AUDIT y el CAST para el cribado de consumos de riesgo. Las tasas de consumo de tabaco y de cannabis en cachimba se sitúan en niveles preocupantes (19,4% y 8,5%, respectivamente, para el último año), con tasas significativamente mayores de consumos de riesgo, de borracheras y binge drinking. Llama también la atención la baja percepción de riesgo existente. El uso de la cachimba constituye una práctica relativamente extendida en la adolescencia, que además de serias implicaciones para la salud, constituye un claro indicador de un patrón de consumo subyacente realmente problemático. La escasa percepción de riesgo, la práctica del botellón o la falta de normas familiares son elementos a tener en cuenta a nivel de prevención comunitaria. (AU)

Substance use in waterpipe (generally tobacco or cannabis) constitutes an increasingly popular practice. It has become an emerging public health problem, with serious consequences at both pulmonary and addiction levels. Despite the growing concern it raises, few studies have been carried out in Spain to analyze this new practice from an early age. The aim of this study is to have new data about waterpipe use among adolescents and to analyze its possible implications and related variables. A survey was conducted among secondary school students from the Galician community. A total of 7,613 students aged 12-18 years (M = 14.97; SD = 1.69) participated. The CRAFFT, the AUDIT and the CAST were used to screen the risky use of other substances. The rates of waterpipe tobacco and cannabis use are at worrying levels (19.4% and 8.5%, respectively, for the last year), with significantly higher rates of risky substance use, drunkenness and binge drinking. The low perception risk is striking. Waterpipe use is a widespread practice in adolescence. In addition to serious health implications, is a clear indicator of a problematic underlying consumption. The low perception of risk, the “botellón” or the lack of family control are elements to take into account in community prevention. (AU)

Perception and assumptions of young waterpipe smokers in Mumbai, India.

Background: Hookah smoking has been on raise all over the world, including India, especially among youngsters. There is growing evidence suggesting the high school children experimenting this form of tobacco. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics, behavior, and perceptions related to hookah smoking among the hookah smokers in Mumbai. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 randomly selected young adults between the age group of 15-35 years in Mumbai who visited different dental clinics. The questionnaire was distributed as Google Forms online in the month of November and December 2019 and those who submitted completed responses were included in the study. Results: Only 114 participants returned with the completed forms in the time period of 2 months. The results showed that the majority of participants were between 20 and 24 age, comprising 58% who were having the habit of hookah smoking. Among which 24% females, 76% males had history of hookah habit. Eight percent of males started smoking hookah from very young age. Males (29.89%) shared one hookah pot with four members. Forty percent of the participants stated that they are interested to smoke again because of hookah flavor. Conclusion: Easy availability of newer forms of smoking at online markets could play a role in promoting the use of hookah among youngsters. Most products are being sold without any warnings, and there is no means to control the selling of the products to minors. Educational intervention is urgently needed to create awareness among youth about the harmful effects of hookah smoking.

Résumé Contexte: L'usage du narguilé est en hausse dans le monde entier, y compris en Inde, en particulier chez les jeunes. Il existe de plus en plus de preuves suggérant que les lycéens expérimentent cette forme de tabac. Objectif: L'objectif de cette étude était d'enquêter sur les caractéristiques, comportement et les perceptions liées à la consommation de narguilé parmi les fumeurs de narguilé à Mumbai. Matériaux et méthodes: Une enquête transversale a été menée auprès de 200 jeunes adultes sélectionnés au hasard dans la tranche d'âge 15-35 ans à Mumbai, qui ont visité différentes cliniques dentaires. Le questionnaire a été distribué sous forme de Google Forms en ligne au cours des mois de novembre et décembre 2019 et ceux qui ont soumis des réponses complétées ont été inclus dans l'étude. réponses complétées ont été incluses dans l'étude. Résultats: Seuls 114 participants sont revenus avec les formulaires remplis dans la période de temps de 2 mois. Le site résultats ont montré que la majorité des participants avaient entre 20 et 24 ans, comprenant 58% qui avaient l'habitude de fumer le narguilé. Parmi eux, 24% de femmes et 76% d'hommes avaient des antécédents de narguilé. Huit pour cent des hommes ont commencé à fumer le narguilé dès leur plus jeune âge. Les hommes (29,89%) partageaient un pot de narguilé avec quatre membres. Quarante pour cent des participants ont déclaré qu'ils sont intéressés à fumer à nouveau à cause de la saveur du narguilé. Conclusion: La disponibilité facile de nouvelles formes de fumer sur les marchés en ligne pourrait jouer un rôle dans la promotion de l'utilisation du narguilé parmi les jeunes. du narguilé chez les jeunes. La plupart des produits sont vendus sans aucun avertissement, et il n'existe aucun moyen de contrôler la vente des produits aux mineurs. aux mineurs. Une intervention éducative est nécessaire de toute urgence pour sensibiliser les jeunes aux effets nocifs du narguilé. Mots clés: Narguilé, salons de narguilé, tabac, pipe à eau, jeunes.

Exposure assessment of children living in homes with hookah smoking parents to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: urinary level, exposure predictors, and risk assessment.

Children are extremely liable to indoor air pollutants as their physiology and a few metabolic pathways are different from those of adults. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess exposure of children living with parents who use hookah tobacco smoke to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using a biomonitoring approach. The study was conducted on 25 children (7-13 years of age) exposed to hookah smoke at home and 25 unexposed age-matched children. Urinary levels of five metabolites of PAHs were quantified via headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured, as well. Information regarding the sociodemographic and lifestyle conditions was collected through interviews using managed questionnaires. The urinary 1-OH-NaP and 9-OH-Phe concentrations were respectively 1.7- and 4.6-folds higher in the case samples compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, urinary MDA levels were 1.4 times higher in the exposed children than in the unexposed group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Increasing the consumption of grilled and meat food in the diet increased the participants' urinary 2-OH-Flu and 1-OH-Pyr levels, respectively. Moreover, sleeping in the living room instead of the bedroom at night was a significant predictor of high 1-OH-NaP and 2-OH-NaP concentrations in the children's urine. Overall, the findings confirmed that children living in their homes with hookah-smoking parents were significantly exposed to naphthalene and phenanthrene. Hence, implementing protective measures is critical to reduce the exposure of this group of children.

Association between Smokeless Tobacco Use and Waterpipe Smoking and the Risk of Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Current Epidemiological Evidence.

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco and waterpipes are used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide and consumption rates exceed that of cigarette smoking in much of South East Asia and parts of the Middle East. However, the cancer risks of these methods of tobacco consumption are less well-characterized than those of cigarette smoking. The objective of this study was to systematically review the epidemiological evidence on the association between smokeless tobacco use and waterpipe smoking and lung cancer risk. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and OpenSIGLE databases were searched to identify eligible case-control and cohort studies (published before 1st December 2020 in any language) that adjusted for cigarette smoking or included non-cigarette smokers only. Summary odds ratio/relative risk estimates and confidence intervals were extracted, and pooled risk ratios (RRs) for lung cancer were calculated using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: The literature search identified 2,465 publications: of these, 26 studies including 6,903 lung cancer patients were included in the synthesis (20 studies of smokeless tobacco use, five of waterpipe smoking, one of both). Our results suggest that smokeless tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer among non-cigarette smokers, and that betel quid tobacco may be particularly hazardous. The random effects meta-analysis showed that exclusive use of any type of smokeless tobacco (pooled RR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.09 - 2.14), betel quid chewing (pooled RR = 1.77, 95%CI 1.06 - 2.95), and waterpipe smoking (pooled RR = 3.25, 95%CI 2.01 - 5.25) were significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis of case-control/cohort studies supports the hypothesis that use of smokeless tobacco and waterpipe smoking is associated with increased risk of developing lung cancer. Considering the widespread and increasing use of smokeless tobacco in developing countries, and increasing prevalence of waterpipe smoking in almost all societies, these findings inform formulation of public health policy, legislation and tobacco control measures at national and international level to increase awareness and decrease the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and waterpipe smoking.