The Hookah Smoking Trend: Things You Need To Know

Hookah smoking delivers a powerful addictive drug called nicotine, the same toxic chemical found in as cigarettes. Some might consider this practice less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but it actually comes with many of the same health risks as cigarettes and possibly worse!

College students and people of younger generations are are adopting the trend of Hookah smoking as a group activity. For those who don’t know, hookah, also known as water-pipe, shisha and goza among others, are water pipes that are used to smoke a specialty-blend of tobacco that is usually flavored.

According to a 2012 CDC survey, many believe that the act of smoking hookah carries less risks of tobacco related diseases such as throat cancer or gum cancer. The smoke contains the same harmful toxins as cigarettes, not to mention that charcoal is often used to light the tobacco!  And YES! Charcoal IS harmful to the body. In fact, when mixed with hookah it increases the health risks by producing smoke that contains high levels of carbon monoxide, metals, and cancer-causing chemicals.  A typical 1-hour-long hookah smoking session involves 200 puffs, while an average cigarette is 20 puffs. You do that math!

Hookah lounges are becoming a very popular hangout spot among younger audiences – which some might argue is the reason why the activity is so popular. Let’s all remember to be responsible if you choose to try hookah. Also, be sure to check with your doctor if you experience any symptoms.