Emerging Issue: Hookahs

A report from Cairo indicated some of the challenges they are facing as they implement a smoke-free air law.

There is a worldwide trend away from commercial tobacco use, even in countries with a history of traditional tobacco use, like Egypt. In October the city of Cairo banned the sale of shisha, or water pipe (pictured above). Shisha, hookah, water pipe are all names for similar devices. (More details on the pipe)

In 2007, a smoke-free workplaces law was supported by Parliament. However the law lacked clear direction on enforcement and has not been effectively enforced. Egypt like many developing countries struggle with tobacco use. The cultural norms around smoking have not shifted yet in Egypt and other parts of developing nations. 

The health effects of hookah or shisha smoking are not well known. A few quick facts from the CDC show that hookahs are extremely dangerous. 

• The charcoal used to heat tobacco in the hookah increases the health risks by producing high levels of carbon monoxide, metals, and cancer-causing chemicals.
• Even after it has passed through water, the smoke produced by a hookah contains high levels of toxic compounds, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals.
• Hookah tobacco and smoke contain numerous toxic substances known to cause lung,bladder, and oral cancers.
• Hookah tobacco and smoke contain numerous toxic substances known to cause clogged arteries and heart disease.
• Sharing a hookah may increase the risk of transmitting tuberculosis, viruses such as herpesor hepatitis, and other illnesses.
• Secondhand smoke from hookahs poses a serious risk for nonsmokers, particularly because it contains smoke from the tobacco and smoke from the heat source (e.g., charcoal) used in the hookah.

For full details about the health effects of hookah smoking visit CDC's website. 

Wisconsin has dealt with its own issues about hookah smoking. Most recently in the debate about the statewide smoke-free air law, the issue of a hookah exemption was raised. The amendment did not garner the votes to pass either house. Dane County also considered an amendment during the process of making the unincorporated parts of the County smoke-free last year in August. The amendment did not pass the county board either. As we move towards a smoke-free future in this state, hookah smoking will only be permitted outside, like all other smoking. The only exceptions being if an establishment fits the criteria to be a tobacco bar or a tobacco retailer. These exemptions are not intended for hookah lounges necessarily, but are written in such a way that an establishment might be able to squeeze into the definition. For more details or questions about that don't hesitate to contact SmokeFree Wisconsin.

ACS: American Cancer Society Marks 34th Great American Smokeout® Reminds public of need for state tobacco control and cessation programs

Released today to honor the Great American Smokeout:

Madison, Wis.—November 19, 2009— The American Cancer Society marks the 34^th Great American Smokeout® on November 19^th by encouraging smokers to quit and reminding the public of the importance of tobacco control and cessation programs. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways a person can reduce their risk of cancer, but quitting smoking isn’t easy and getting help can be difficult.

This year Wisconsin’s tobacco control and prevention program was cut by 55 percent.  While cuts were expected during these difficult economic times, the programs affected, including the tobacco QuitLine, have proven successful at reducing tobacco use in Wisconsin.

Since the program started in 2001 smoking rates in Wisconsin have substantially declined. Last year the adult smoking rate hit an all time low of 19 percent, which is below the national average. However, these gains won’t continue indefinitely.

“Reducing Wisconsin’s tobacco burden requires ongoing education and continued resources to help people quit smoking,” said Bob Meyer, Wisconsin Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society. “We understand that Wisconsin is facing unprecedented fiscal challenges, but these programs save money and save lives. In the big picture, there are just as many financial reasons as there are health reasons to maintain a strong tobacco cessation and control program,” said Meyer.

Each year more than 8,000 people in Wisconsin die of tobacco-related illness and the state spends more than $2.2 billion dollars in health care dollars treating such illness; $500 million of which comes straight from taxpayers in the form of Medicaid payments.

Funding for the tobacco control program was reduced to just under $7 million this budget. The Centers for Disease Control recommends Wisconsin spend $64 million a year to adequately combat tobacco use in the state.

Gov. Doyle: Cigarette sales to minors decreased!

Photo credit: Wispolitics

Earlier this week Governor Jim Doyle announced a significant decrease in tobacco sales to Wisconsin minors.

Wisconsin is making huge strides to reducing the amount of tobacco our young people get their hands on. Our 2009 Synar sales compliance survey, which determines the number of retail outlets that are selling tobacco illegally to minors, shows a noncompliance rate of 5.7 percent—20 percent lower than the 2008 rate of 7.2 percent.This is great news for Wisconsin citizens.

“In Wisconsin, we are working hard to protect our kids from the scourge of tobacco,” Governor Doyle said. “Our state has a long history of preventing youth tobacco sales and I’m pleased our 

For more information about the Synar report and tobacco control efforts in Wisconsin, please visit http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco.

Big Tobacco Getting Bigger Reynolds in talks to buy Sweden's Niconovum

Annouced on November 8th, 2009, Tobacco Giant R.J. Reynolds in talks to buy Sweden's Niconovum. That's right R.J. Reynolds is trying to buy the Swedish-maker of a product that helps stop people who smoke. Niconovum's own website says their mission is to develop leading nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). They were formed in 2000 by experts in tobacco control and health. Currently they market a spray, gum, and pouch. 

                                          

While Niconovum's mission is completely and totally opposed to what R.J. Reynolds is trying accomplish, the only conclusion that can be drawn is Big Tobacco has something up their sleeve. Perhaps like Snus, Camel aka R.J. Reynolds is planning on making the spray or pouch that Niconovum markets and turn it into another harmful "reduced harm" product.

New Study: Smoker sensitivity to retail tobacco displays and quitting.

A new study was released by researchers in Australia about retail tobacco displays and the ease smokers have in quitting. The study assessed whether or not point of sale cigarette displays influence quitting. They found that the presence of cigarette pack displays make it more difficult for smokers to quit and be 100% successful.

Big Tobacco opposes display bans and has created a website addressing their concerns about this tobacco control policy. The website is loaded with faux studies which point to increased illicit trade of cigarettes as a result of display bans. Ironically, one study was conducted prior to the display ban even going into effect. Their website does not that four countries including Australia, Ireland, Iceland, and Canada have enacted complete prohibitions on displays at the point of sale.

The website claims that these bans are ineffective but then they claim it puts retailers out of business. One has to wonder, is that because people quit more effectively when they are not constantly being marketed a product they are trying desperately to quit? On one hand they claim their are ineffective, but on the other say retailers are going out of business. The answer is clear- they are effective- too effective for Big Tobacco to let this go on. To read this and more tobacco industry fueled junk science go to the Big Tobacco supported site.