Is Shisha as Harmful as Smoking Cigarettes?

      

       A trend that is growing in popularity is that of shisha smoking.  This activity is increasing among young crowds as its accessibility is on the rise. Many people believe that smoking shisha is not nearly as harmful as smoking a cigarette and that it’s in fact a safer alternative.  However, many studies have debunked these misconceptions!

Shisha is a flavoured tobacco that is smoked out of a hookah, also referred to as a water-pipe. Just a single hookah smoking session, of about 45 – 60 minutes could be equal to smoking 40 to 400 cigarettes! Many believe that there is little to no risk as the shisha tobacco smoke passes through water prior to inhalation. Surprisingly, this smoke does in fact still have high levels of toxic compounds, such as carbon monoxide, heavy metals, as well as cancer-causing chemicals.

When further comparing to cigarette smoking, the carbon monoxide levels can be up to five times higher in one shisha smoking session than in a cigarette! And what is carbon monoxide? This is an odorless gas that can be toxic to humans in high quantities. You can come across carbon monoxide from various sources such as fumes from cars or even charcoal grills!

Despite being just a ‘social activity’, the hookah smoke actually contains nicotine. This addictive chemical may eventually lead to cigarette smoking in the future.

Another concerning issue with shisha smoking is the sharing of the water-pipe. This could increase the transmission of diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis or herpes!

What do you think about this issue UW?  Feel free to comment and discuss on this blog or our facebook!

References:

Hooka/Shisha Information Page, Leave the Pack Behind, 2011

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8214097.stm