Hookah or water pipe smoking has been practiced for over 400 years, and is often a social activity. There are a variety of names for hookahs, including narghile, argileh, shisha, hubble-bubble, and goza. Hookah tobacco is available is many flavors such as apple, grape, mint and cappuccino.
Using a hookah to smoke tobacco poses a serious potential health hazard to smokers and others exposed to the smoke emitted. Hookah tobacco and smoke contain many toxicants that are known to cause lung cancer, heart disease and other health complications. Even after it has passed through water, the smoke contains high levels of toxic compounds, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals, that are masked by the sweet flavors of hookah tobacco. Although many hookah smokers believe that this habit is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, hookah smoke still contains nicotine and has at least as many toxins as cigarette smoke.
Hookah smokers face the same health risks as cigarette smokers, including decreased lung functioning, heart disease and lung cancer. In addition to these health risks, irritation from exposure to tobacco juices increases the risk of developing oral cancers. The charcoal used to heat the tobacco also increases risks by producing high levels of carbon monoxide, metals and cancer-causing chemicals. Because hookah smoking is often a social activity, sharing a hookah can increase the risk of transmission of tuberculosis, viruses such as herpes or hepatitis and many other illnesses.
Due to the frequency of puffing, depth of inhalation and length of smoking session, hookah smokers may absorb a higher concentration of toxins. The typical hookah smoking session lasts about one hour and therefore involves inhaling as much as 100-200 times the volume of smoke than you would if you smoked one cigarette.
Students can receive free one-on-one tobacco cessation counseling through Student Health Services. Call 737-WELL or stop by the SHS to sign up for an appointment.
