Secondhand smoke exposure from the indoor and outdoor shisha centers located at the perimeter of educational institutions in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

Shisha is a centuries-old traditional smoking habit rapidly gaining popularity among the students and young adults in Malaysia. The present study evaluated secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) and characteristics of 25 indoor and 25 outdoor shisha centers (SC) operating around the educational institutes such as universities in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. We observed a significantly higher particulate matter (PM)(2.5) concentration in indoor than outdoor SC (3595.28 μg/m(3) and 65.12 μg/m(3), p < 0.001, respectively). SCs are offering different flavors to attract clients and exposing students and young professionals to a significantly high concentration of SHS. Such exposures may pose a serious health risk. Therefore, policymakers need to strengthen tobacco guidelines and eliminate loopholes in the sale of shisha by enforcing comprehensive and strict smoke-free laws.