Carboxyhemoglobin levels in primary and secondary traditional Iraqi 'nargila' smokers

ABSTRACT

In a group of eigth men who smoked the traditional Iraqi "Nargila" but who had not previously smoked cigarattes venous blood carboxyhemoglobin levels were higher [mean 3.7+0.5%] to those found in non-smokers. However, six men who switched from cigarettes to "Nargila" had carboxyhemoglobin levels [mean 7.1+0.9%] still higher than those of cigarette smokers. It is suggested that "Nargila" smokers who learned the habit of inhalation run a greater risk to their health than those continue to smoke cigarettes