Is Hookah Safe? Debunking Myths with Scientific Evidence
Is Hookah Safe? Debunking Myths with Scientific Evidence
Hookah smoking, once considered a leisurely social ritual, is now under intense scrutiny for its health impacts. With rising popularity among younger generations, many wonder: is hookah safe? This article examines current evidence to clarify risks, address common misconceptions, and guide informed decisions.
What Is Hookah and How Does It Work?
Hookah, also known as shisha or water pipe, involves smoking flavored tobacco through a water-filled bowl. The smoke passes through water before inhalation, often over extended sessions lasting 30–60 minutes. Despite this, the practice delivers nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens—albeit in different concentrations compared to cigarettes.
While water filters some harmful substances, it does not eliminate them. Studies show hookah smoke contains 25% more carbon monoxide than cigarette smoke and up to 100 times higher levels of certain toxins during a single session.
Health Risks: What Research Says
Respiratory System Effects
Regular hookah use significantly increases the risk of chronic bronchitis, asthma exacerbation, and reduced lung function. A 2023 study in the Journal of Respiratory Health found that even occasional users develop persistent coughing and wheezing, with symptoms mirroring those of long-term cigarette smokers.
Cardiovascular Impact
Nicotine from hookah raises heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular strain. A 2024 cardiovascular review in Cardiovascular Research linked daily hookah use to increased arterial stiffness and early plaque formation—risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Cancer and Long-Term Risks
Although hookah tobacco is often flavored and not combusted like cigarettes, it still contains known carcinogens such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that prolonged use raises the risk of oral, throat, and esophageal cancers, particularly in heavy users.