Indoor Air Pollution Due to Hookah Smoking: Particulate Concentrations in a Lexington, Kentucky Hookah Lounge

A trend of hookah tobacco smoking poses a potential health concern that has yet to be fully investigated. The increasing popularity of hookah smoking in US populations, despite the historic trends seen internationally, raises questions about the environmental quality impact of hookah smoking. The aim of this study was to quantify the association between smoking density and fine particle concentration in a college campus-located hookah tobacco smoking lounge. Indoor air quality samples were collected between September 2007 and January 2008 in a Lexington, Kentucky hookah smoking lounge. The measured concentration levels of PM2.5 were 1.1 and 2.7 times higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for 24 hours (35 µg/m3). The detected levels of PM2.5 were also higher than the concentrations detected inside Lexington venues following the implementation of a Lexington-wide smoke-free ordinance in 2002. We conclude that indoor air quality is negatively impacted by hookah smoking, and second-hand smoke from hookahs can cause high fine particulate concentrations exceeding the NAAQS. When considering the positive health impact of the Lexington smoke-free ordinance, there should be no exemption provided to hookah lounges. Concerns over the potential ill-health effects of hookahs should not be minimized due to a lack of a clear understanding of this emerging health threat.