Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas at Arlington received a $247,878 Project Grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs (CFDA 93.279) to conduct a two-year research study examining waterpipe tobacco smoking exposure and behavioral outcomes. The award, effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2028, funds an R21 exploratory research project investigating how waterpipe size and heating source configurations affect toxicant exposure, smoking behavior, and abuse liability among young adult users. The study involves a 2x2 crossover design with 60 participants aged 21-39 years who will complete four 45-minute waterpipe smoking sessions under different conditions (small versus large waterpipe size paired with charcoal versus electrical heating methods). The research will measure puff topography, nicotine levels, carbon monoxide exposure, subjective experiences, and abuse liability metrics to generate evidence addressing FDA regulatory challenges and evaluate the efficacy of harm reduction products currently marketed without supportive data.

This research addresses a significant public health concern, as waterpipe smoking prevalence among U.S. young adults is substantial, with preliminary findings indicating that different device configurations produce varying toxic emission profiles and smoking behaviors. The project will generate peer-reviewed scientific evidence to inform regulatory decisions and public health guidance regarding waterpipe product design and marketing claims, particularly regarding electrical heating devices and miniaturized hookahs that manufacturers promote as harm reduction alternatives.