Analysis of Toxic Elements in Smoked Shisha Waterwaste and Unburnt Tobacco by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry: Probable Role in Environmental Contamination

摘要

Shisha (also known as hookah, narghile or waterpipe) is a popular tobacco smoking device in South Asia and Middle East. Smoked shisha water, flavored (FSW) and non-flavored (NFSW) was analyzed for their environmental contamination potential using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Eighteen toxic elements were detected in the samples including arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury and uranium. The levels of toxic elements were found to be higher in NFSW in comparison with FSW. Shisha tobacco, non-flavored (NFT) and flavored (FT), was also analyzed. Pattern of element levels in NFSW and FSW was similar with element levels in NFT and FT, respectively. Data indicate that the release of shisha water, either NSFW or FSW, into the environment may contribute to the accumulation of several toxic elements in soil and water. The present investigation provide a basis for further investigation of shisha water to assure whether regulatory measures are needed to handle this issue.