Shisha smoking: An emerging trend in Southeast Asian nations

Abstract

Shisha smoking, with origins in India and the Arab world, is today spreading rapidly into other parts of the world. One such region is Southeast Asia,where shisha bars are commonly seen around educational institutions. The general public remains unaware of the harmful effects of shisha smoking and many assume that shisha smoking does not involve tobacco. Shisha smoking is not adequately addressed in the current anti-tobacco policies by most governments of Southeast Asia. Only a few countries have already taken concrete measures of including shisha smoking in anti-tobacco policies. We highlight the emerging trend of shisha smoking in Southeast Asian nations, associated health effects, and the loopholes in the governmental policies that are being exploited by the vendors of shisha. While most research, taxation policies, and health education on tobacco-related products have focused on cigarettes, additional methods of tobacco delivery become more common.

Molecular and health effects in the upper respiratory tract associated with tobacco smoking other than cigarettes

“…Some reports suggest that the water‐pipe originated from ancient Persia and India. However , before the arrival of tobacco (seventeenth century) other substances such as cannabis and opium were smoked in this manner . Although there are regional and cultural differences in the construction of water‐pipes, however the mechanism of smoking is similar.…”

“…During use air is drawn over the charcoal, which it is heated produces smoke igniting the tobacco, which passes through water and finally is inhaled by the smoker . Sellers often mix water‐pipe tobacco with “moassel” and many kinds of flavors to make it more attractive . Standard water‐pipes should be differentiated from the electronic devices (“e‐hookahs”), which are nicotine delivery systems without charcoal combustion…”

“…However, before the arrival of tobacco (seventeenth century) other substances such as cannabis and opium were smoked in this manner. 8,9 Although there are regional and cultural differences in the construction of waterpipes, however the mechanism of smoking is similar. They consist of a head, body, bowl and a hose with a mouthpiece.…”

Shisha smoking centers in a satellite township near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: an observational study.

“…A report by the World Health Organization in 2010 stressed the dangers of shisha smoking, with second hand smoke emanating from shisha smokers also unsafe for non-smokers.1 Shisha smoking is a popular trend in Malaysia especially among youth 2 . Presently the tobacco control laws in Malaysia do not address the sale and consumption of shisha products, so vendors which has lead to the opening up of many shisha venues around the city of Kuala Lumpur 2 .…”

“…Presently the tobacco control laws in Malaysia do not address the sale and consumption of shisha products, so vendors which has lead to the opening up of many shisha venues around the city of Kuala Lumpur 2 . The aim of this study was to determine the environment and services provided, in shisha venues around the satellite township of Petaling Jaya near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.…”