Cigarette smoking is a major cause of death and disease. It burdens the economy with health and productivity costs and contributes to poverty by diverting household spending from food and shelter to tobacco.
Smoking Lifestyle Products is a dangerous drug that is addictive. Its smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including 69 known carcinogens. Smoke also causes premature aging, wrinkling of the skin, bad breath and poor lung function that leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (like asthma, bronchitis or emphysema).
Cigarettes
Cigarettes are smoked by millions of people around the world. They contain nicotine and tar which can damage health. They also contain additives such as flavourings, sugars and chemicals that help them burn; prolong their shelf life and improve their taste. These additives can lead to chemical inhalation; make the smoke seem milder and easier to inhale; and, when burned, produce new toxic substances.
Smoking has a number of adverse health effects including increased risk of diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. Many nations have strict legislation regarding the advertising and sale of cigarettes and some have levied high taxes on them to discourage consumption.
Other tobacco products include chewing tobacco which is usually flavored and can be dry or moist; snuff (ground, powdered or finely cut tobacco) that is placed between the cheek and gum and swallowed or spit out; or, pipe tobacco that is mixed with water to form a paste and then smoked.
Pipes
The pipe is a classic smoking accessory, often associated with slow-paced activities like drinking tea or reading a book. It’s also a popular pastime and, in some cultures, it’s seen as a symbol of wisdom, elegance and sophistication.
There are many types of pipes to choose from, depending on the type of tobacco or herb you’re using. Large western-style tobacco pipes are used for strong, bitter smoke that’s usually not inhaled; smaller, soft-tasting oriental tobacco pipes such as the midwakh and kiseru are used to inhale milder smokes or other substances such as opium and cannabis.
Glass smoking pipes are available in a variety of colors and styles, including Sherlock Holmes-inspired pipes, Rick and Morty themed pieces, and even animal-themed designs. Small chillums (like the one-hitter) are simple and easy to use, while bubblers are small handheld pipes that bubble smoke through water to cool it. Many are made from thick borosilicate glass, making them robust and durable.
Cigarillos
As the ‘baby brother’ of cigars, cigarillos are perfect for those times when a premium handmade smoke just isn’t practical. They offer a tasteful alternative to cigarettes without the need for a humidor, and are ideal for smokers on the go – whether it be on a train commute or during intermission at the opera!
While many existing surveillance studies group cigars and cigarillos together, the two products contain varying amounts of tobacco, are smoked differently, and are consumed at different times. For example, traditional cigars may contain up to 14 grams of tobacco and be smoked over an hour or more. Cigarillos, on the other hand, contain a lower amount of tobacco and are smoked over a shorter period of time.
Our qualitative interview study allowed participants to discuss their experiences with cigarillos, including their preferences and perceptions of product features. Highly valued characteristics identified by participants included flavored options, packaging styles, and price.
Hookahs
A hookah (also called a shisha or waterpipe) is an instrument used for smoking tobacco, fruit flavors, herbs, hashish and/or opium. During use, smoke passes through a water basin resulting in the generation of toxic compounds including carbon monoxide, aldehydes, PAHs, nicotine, and ammonia.
Studies have shown that regular hookah smoking is associated with negative health outcomes such as lung diseases, cardiovascular disease, and oral and esophageal cancer. Hookah smokers are also at higher risk for inhaling carcinogens and metals such as cadmium, copper and zinc into the lungs.
The FDA recently finalized a rule extending its control over all tobacco products to include hookah tobacco and its components. As such, some retailers are now able to sell tobacco and hookah equipment under the same regulations as other regulated products. New and perhaps “more rigid” policies regulating hookah tobacco must be developed, especially to prevent its use during pregnancy, which may increase the risk for chromosomal disorders, ectopic pregnancies and low birth weight in newborns.