Waterpipe tobacco products: nicotine labelling versus nicotine delivery

Tob Control. 2012 May;21(3):377-9. doi: 10.1136/tc.2010.042416. Epub 2011 Jun 2.

Abstract

Background: Waterpipe tobacco package labelling typically indicates "0.0% tar" and "0.05% or 0.5% nicotine".

Objective: To determine the extent to which nicotine labeling is related to nicotine delivery.

Methods: 110 waterpipe smokers engaged in a 45-minute waterpipe smoking session. Puff topography and plasma nicotine were measured. Three waterpipe tobacco brands were used: Nakhla (0.5% nicotine), Starbuzz (0.05% nicotine), and Al Fakher (0.05% nicotine). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

Results: Topography did not differ across brands. Peak plasma nicotine varied significantly across brands. Al Fakher had the highest nicotine delivery (11.4 ng/ml) followed by Nakhla (9.8 ng/ml) and Starbuzz (5.8 ng/ml).

Conclusions: Nicotine labelling on waterpipe tobacco products does not reflect delivery; smoking a brand with a "0.05% nicotine" label led to greater plasma nicotine levels than smoking a brand with a "0.5% nicotine" label. Waterpipe tobacco products should be labelled in a manner that does not mislead consumers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure / analysis
  • Male
  • Nicotiana / chemistry*
  • Nicotine / analysis*
  • Nicotine / blood
  • Product Labeling / standards*
  • Smoking / blood*
  • Water
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Water
  • Nicotine