Introduction: Concerns arises about smoking products waste, which can contain different hazardous pollutants such as toxic metals. This study aimed to survey the toxic metals content of fruit-flavored and traditional waterpipe bowl water.
Methods: The traditional waterpipe bowl water samples were collected from the four most popular fruit-flavored tobacco brands (Al-Mahmoud, Al-Fakher, Nakhl, and Mazaya), as well as from four widely favored flavors (blueberry, Dosib, cream orange, and mint-gum). Additionally, 10 samples of traditional waterpipe bowl water were gathered. The concentrations of toxic metals in these bowl water samples were measured using ICP-MS analysis.
Results: The mean concentration of toxic metals in waterpipe bowl water samples from Almahmoud, Al-Fakher, Nakhla, Mazaya, and traditional tobacco ranged from 0.37 (Cd) to 3.36 (Pb); 0.33 (Cd) to 3.27 (Pb); 0.34 (Cd) to 3.02 (Cr); 0.24 (Cd) to 3.09 (Cr), and 1.38 (Cd) to 6.24 (Pb) μg/L, respectively. The mean levels of all toxic metals (except As) in different fruit-flavored tobacco brands and traditional waterpipe bowl water samples were significantly different (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that toxic metal concentrations in waterpipe bowl water vary significantly among different tobacco brands and tobacco types. This highlights the need for monitoring and regulation of toxic metal content in waterpipe tobacco products to reduce potential health risks to users and environment.