Researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington announced on July 7 that they are launching a new study to examine the health effects of different hookah smoking methods. Ziyad Ben Taleb, associate professor of kinesiology and director of the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Laboratory, received a two-year, $442,763 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to investigate how waterpipe size and heating sources affect hookah smoking.
The study will involve 60 established hookah smokers who will participate in sessions using both large and small waterpipes as well as traditional charcoal and newer electronic heating devices. According to a 2025 study referenced by the researchers, hookah smoking is highly prevalent and has been rising in popularity among young people worldwide. A typical session lasts about 45 minutes and can expose users to more than 30 times as much carbon monoxide as a single cigarette.
"In our previous studies, hookah users inhaled nearly 100 liters of smoke per session on average, while some single puffs exceeded two or three liters," Ben Taleb said. "There is a misconception that hookah is safer because the smoke passes through water. In reality, the water cools the smoke, but it does not filter it."
Ben Taleb said he hopes that findings from this research will help people make informed decisions about their use of hookah products. He also said that results could inform future regulations by agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"My responsibility as a researcher is to empower people with evidence so they can make informed decisions about their health," Ben Taleb said. "Also, agencies like the FDA need data on how different product configurations affect exposure, addiction, and health. If we find that certain designs or heating methods increase risk, that information can help guide future public health policies."
The study began May 1 and is scheduled to run through April 30, 2028.
