Hookahs

Hookahs, also known as narghile, argileh, shisha, hubble-bubble, or goza, are water pipes utilized for smoking specially flavored tobacco like apple, mint, cherry, and more. Despite the misconception of its reduced harm, hookah smoking poses similar health risks to cigarette smoking. Additionally, hookahs come in various sizes, shapes, and styles, typically featuring a head with holes at the bottom, a metal body, a water bowl, and a flexible hose with a mouthpiece. One common practice is group smoking, where the same mouthpiece is passed among individuals.

Hookah smoking is NOT a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.
People who use tobacco should quit all tobacco products to reduce health risks.

CDC

Hookah Use

Here are the most common ways hookah is used. Have a look at the list compiled by the CDC:

• Hookah use began centuries ago in ancient Persia and India.
• In 2018, the Monitoring the Future survey found that—
  • Nearly 1 in every 13 (7.8%) high school students in the United States had used a hookah to smoke tobacco during the previous year.
  • About 1 in every 8 (12.3%) young adults aged 19-30 years had used a hookah to smoke tobacco during the previous year.
• Among 12^th graders, annual hookah use increased from nearly 1 in 6 students (17.1%) in 2010 to about 1 in 4 students (22.9%) in 2014, but since that time has decreased sharply to nearly 1 in 13 students (7.8%) in 2018.
• Monitoring the Future also shows variations in hookah use by region and population density. In 2018, the highest prevalence of use was observed in the Northeast, where 1 in 6 (15.0%) young adults aged 19-30 years had used a hookah to smoke tobacco during the previous year, and in very large cities, where almost 1 in 5 (19.3%) young adults in this age group reported past year use.
• Other small studies of young adults have found high prevalence of hookah use among college students in the United States. These studies show past-year use ranging from 22% to 40%.
• New forms of electronic hookah products, including steam stones and hookah pens, have been introduced.
  • These products are battery powered and turn liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals into an aerosol, which is inhaled.
  • Limited information is currently available on the health risks of electronic tobacco products, including electronic hookahs.

Using Hookah is not a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. There are still health risks involved which not only affect you, but also affect those inhaling hookah around you. Have a look at this list of health concerns which was listed by the CDC.

• People who smoke hookah may be at risk for some of the same diseases as cigarette smokers. These include:
  • Oral cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Cancer of the esophagus
  • Reduced lung function
  • Decreased fertility

It’s crucial to recognize the health risks associated with hookah smoking and take proactive steps to quit this habit. Despite its appealing flavors and social nature, hookah poses similar dangers to cigarette smoking. Understanding the variety of names and components associated with hookahs underscores the widespread prevalence and diversity of this practice. By acknowledging these risks and committing to quitting, individuals can prioritize their long-term health and well-being, breaking free from the harmful effects of hookah smoke.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/tobacco_industry/hookahs/index.htm