Source
Health Behavior and Education Department, Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, PO, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon. rima.nakkash@aub.edu.lb
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Waterpipe tobacco smoking prevalence is increasing around the globe despite current evidence that smoke emissions are toxic and contain carcinogenic compounds.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate current health warning labelling practices on waterpipe tobacco products and related accessories.
METHODS:
All waterpipe tobacco products, as well as waterpipe accessories, were purchased from Lebanon and a convenience sample was obtained from Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Bahrain, Canada, Germany and South Africa.
FINDINGS:
Of the total number of waterpipe tobacco products collected from Lebanon, the majority had textual health warning labels covering on average only 3.5% of total surface area of the package. Misleading descriptors were commonplace on waterpipe tobacco packages and related accessories.
CONCLUSIONS:
There are no WHO FCTC compliant waterpipe-specific health warning labels on waterpipe tobacco products and related accessories. Introducing health warnings on waterpipe tobacco products and accessories will probably have worldwide public health benefits.