Shisha use is typically occasional. It takes time and skill to prepare and cannot be carried around easily like other tobacco or nicotine containing products. It is generally enjoyed in social settings, weekly or monthly for the majority of consumers around the world. For example, a study in the United States found that 90% of shisha users have it monthly while in Germany, the Federal Institute for Risk estimates on average around twice a week for the average consumer.

COMPSITION
AND

USE

Shisha molasses typically contain between 15% and 25% tobacco. The remainder is comprised of molasses, glycerine and flavour.

 

Shisha molasses are heated, not burned. An external heating element – charcoal – is placed over a bowl which contain the molasses. Typically, the shisha molasses are heated to around 190C, releasing an aerosol that is 60% water, 15% glycerol and 25% dry particulate matter which includes flavour and nicotine.

REFERENCES

1-  Journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research, June 2018

2-  Deutsche Bundesinstitut fur Riskobewertung (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) (2018).
Frequently asked questions about waterpipes.