Chemistry of Shisha Smoke

[pyroglycerine]

Hi,

 

I have a few questions about the chemistry of the smoke produced from the burning of shisha tobacco in a hookah pipe:

 

1. Why is it that when milk is added to the water, the smoke appears thicker? What is the chemical process?

2. How does water act as a filter for 'bad' chemicals in the smoke? Is it effective?

3. What could be done to improve the filtration of harmful chemicals in the smoke?

4. How could an even thicker smoke than when milk is added be produced?

 

Thanks,

 

pyroglycerine

[CaptainPanic]

Hi,

 

I have a few questions about the chemistry of the smoke produced from the burning of shisha tobacco in a hookah pipe:

 

1. Why is it that when milk is added to the water, the smoke appears thicker? What is the chemical process?

2. How does water act as a filter for 'bad' chemicals in the smoke? Is it effective?

3. What could be done to improve the filtration of harmful chemicals in the smoke?

4. How could an even thicker smoke than when milk is added be produced?

 

Thanks,

 

pyroglycerine

 

I do not know the answers. But I'll give it a try anyway.

 

1. Perhaps milk aerosols are created, which - contrary to normal water - do not completely evaporate before you inhale it. The lipids and proteins will still be a particle (solid or liquid, I don't know).

2. There are 2 different effects: (2a) Certain components in the smoke will dissolve into water. So, as the smoke is in contact with water, when it is bubbled through, at the interface of the smoke and water, some components will enter the water. The effectiveness will depend on the size of the bubbles, and the height of water that they travel through. It's probably not very effective... but it is not possible for me to put a number on it. (2b) In addition, the water will cool the smoke down to room temperature, which causes some larger molecules to condense. Once in liquid form, these will stick to whatever solid or liquid surface they encounter... and they do that before hitting your lungs.

3. That very much depends. I'd start by first listing those components. Some may be water soluble. Some may be large molecules that you can condense / filter out. The separation (removal) method depends on the chemical. Other than not smoking (I had to say it), there is no easy way to prevent those chemicals getting in your lungs. You may need a number of different separation methods. But then again, of you remove all the smoke from the smoke, what's the point of smoking? Why not just smell something nice?

4. You could set some tires on fire. Recently in Kiev, they showed that you get really nice thick smoke. (Of course, I am joking, I just don't know).

 

Finally, a warning: Be careful testing out new things by breathing it in. There is an obvious hazard here.