could be significantly reduced by using an electronic charcoal source instead.
In spite of the claims that the steam stones are a ‘safer’ alternative
tobacco product, this research demonstrates that a smoker will still be
subjected to toxic metals in potentially harmful amounts when using
traditional charcoal.
Regulatory agencies tasked with regulating the hookah and other tobacco-alternative
products may face considerable challenges in establishing
a reliable method for testing charcoals, etc. These challenges
include factors such as the size and shape of the steam stones and
coals, the variable distribution of heat in the head over a smoking session,
and additional factors which incorporate the human element —
such as length of a session.