A hookah is a water pipe that consists of a smoke chamber, a water-filled bowl and a hose. Specially-made flavored tobacco, called “shisha,” is heated with charcoal. The smoke passes through the water and is then inhaled using the hose. Many people believe that smoking a hookah pipe is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but according to the Harvard Health Publications website, a report in the March 2008 issue of the "Harvard Mental Health Letter" suggests it may actually be more harmful, and equally addictive, because of the way a hookah pipe is smoked. Hookah smokers puff more often and inhale more deeply during smoking sessions, which can last up to an hour. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, estimates that a hookah smoker inhales an amount equal to 100 to 200 cigarettes during a hookah smoking session.
Cancer
Hookah smokers are in danger of the same diseases cigarette smokers are, including cancer of the mouth, lung, throat, stomach, bladder and esophagus. Hookah tobacco smoke, as well as the smoke from the charcoal used to heat it, contain many known cancer-causing substances. Some hookah smokers claim not to inhale, but according to the American Cancer Society, they are still susceptible to oral cancer. Chronic irritation to the lips, tongue and mouth from exposure to tobacco toxins increases the risk of these oral cancers.
Infectious Diseases
A hookah pipe is designed to be used by a group of people who smoke from the same mouthpiece. While most hookah cafes and bars provide disposable mouthpieces for each individual smoker, not everyone makes use of them, resulting in an increased chance of contracting a disease. Further, hookah cafes and bars may not properly clean the pipes between uses by different groups, which could put hookah pipe smokers in danger of contracting herpes, hepatitis, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, warns the CDC.
Addiction
Hookah tobacco contains nicotine, the same addictive drug found in cigarettes. Users experience pleasant feelings from nicotine that make them want to continue smoking. Nicotine affects the chemistry of the brain and elevates mood. Physical and psychological dependence develops, causing withdrawal symptoms when the smoker stops, including cravings, irritability, headache, difficulty sleeping and nervousness. Smokers who compulsively use tobacco even though they know it is harming their health are addicted, says the American Cancer Society.
Heart and Lung Disease
Hookah tobacco and smoke contain many toxic components known to damage the blood vessels and cause clogged arteries and heart disease, cautions the CDC. Hookah smokers are in danger of heart and lung disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and smoking is the leading cause of sudden death from a heart attack. Tobacco smoke harms the heart even at levels not sufficient to cause damage to the lungs, warns the American Cancer Society.
Risks to Pregnant Women and Babies
Pregnant hookah users put themselves at increased risk of miscarriage, premature delivery and stillbirth. Their babies have an increased risk of low birth weight, respiratory disease and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. A smoker that breastfeeds passes nicotine and other poisons to her baby. Nicotine can cause a baby to be restless, have a rapid heartbeat, vomit, have diarrhea or have difficulty sleeping, says the American Cancer Society.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hookahs
- MayoClinic.com: Hookah Smoking: Is It Safer Than Cigarettes?
- American Cancer Society: Questions About Smoking, Tobacco, and Health
- Harvard Health Publications: Public Health Officials Warn About the Unrecognized Health Hazards of Smoking From a Hookah
