Determination of metals and BTEX in different components of waterpipe: charcoal, tobacco, smoke and water

Background The main objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) in smoke and water bowl of 5-most commonly used tobacco brand in waterpipe in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Methods Five types of conventional tobacco in Tehran were investigated. Heavy metals and BTEX were analyzed in waterpipe smoke, tobacco, charcoal and water bowl prior to and after smoking by using ICP-OES and GC-MS, respectively. Results Our results indicated that Khansar and Al Fakher brands had the maximum and minimum concentrations of metals among tobacco consumed, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant difference between content of heavy metals in burned and unburned tobacco. The highest and lowest concentrations of metals were related to Fe and Hg, respectively. Conclusion Results showed that tobacco, charcoal and smoke of waterpipe contained significant contents of toxic metals and BTEX, and exposure to these components could be the main reason for the concerns about waterpipe smoking.