Determination of 210Po and Trace Elements in Ma’assel Used in Water Pipe Smoking (Shisha) in Jordan

The activity concentrations of alpha emitter radioisotope 210Po using alpha spectroscopy and the concentrations of trace elements (Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe) using atomic absorption spectroscopy were measured in a variety of Ma’assel (water pipe tobacco) samples with different flavors and sources of origin. 210Po radionuclide was found in all samples. The maximum value was 6.22 ± 2.30 mBq/g, and the minimum value was less than 0.42 ± 0.20 mBq/g, with an average of 3.12 ± 1.04 mBq/g. The studied trace elements were found in all Ma’assel samples. The average concentrations of Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe were 3.4, 3.3, 0.5 and 2.7 mg.kg–1 (± 1%), respectively. The results obtained were compared with those of other studies worldwide. The reported results indicated an important issue to human health.