| Some still unaware of hookah smoking risks |
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| Written by Mark Bauer | ||||
| Tuesday, 25 November 2008 08:55 PM | ||||
  Martin High School senior Jade Snell exhales smoke from a Hookah on Tuesday at Narah Café. Hookah bars have become popular among college students despite health risks. (The Shorthorn: Jacob Adkisson) Hookah facts• It originated in India and Asia four centuries ago• Usage may cause addiction • Higher amounts of smoke inhalation result in more exposure to cancer-causing chemicals • Disease risks include cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease and birth defects • Water pipes should be subjected to the same regulation as cigarettes and other tobacco products Source: World Health Organization Hookahs — water pipes used to smoke flavored tobacco — have gained popularity on college campuses and in other social circles across the U.S. According to a World Health Organization report, many perceive water pipes as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. But evidence from studies conducted by health organizations shows that the effects from smoking hookah could be just as bad, if not worse, than cigarettes. The amount of smoke inhaled during a single hookah session — which typically lasts from 20 minutes to more than an hour — is equivalent to the smoke consumed from 100 or more cigarettes. The report concluded that “using a water pipe to smoke tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking.” A hookah consists of a chamber partially filled with water. When charcoal heats the tobacco, usually flavored and sweetened for taste, users suck the smoke through the water-filtered chamber from an external hose. Because the smoke first passes through water, the smoke tends to be cooler and doesn’t burn. It’s the combination of cool smoke and sweet taste that convinces students like undeclared freshman Jeff Clark that the hookah causes less harm than cigarette smoke. “It’s easier to take in — more flavorful,” he said. “There’s no nicotine, and there’s no addiction either. I don’t think there are any societies against it.” Clark said he typically visits Narah Café, a Mediterranean restaurant a few miles from campus, popular for both its food and hookah lounge, twice a week. He said one of his friends visits every night. Café manager Adel, who wouldn’t give his full name, confirmed that hookahs are popular and remains unconvinced the health effects are as bad as experts say. “If that’s the case, I’d probably be dead by now. It’s mainly for the flavors,” he said. “It’s not good. It’s still smoke, but it doesn’t have the same effects.” He believes hookahs aren’t as harmful because of availability. “Cigarettes you can smoke 24 hours a day,” he said. “With hookah, it’s a little more difficult.” Still, despite when or where tobacco products are used, Sandra Parker, Tarrant County Public Health medical director, said it’s unhealthy. “Tobacco use in any form is not healthy and is dangerous,” she said. Clark said he smoked cigarettes at the beginning of the semester but quit a few weeks later because of health reasons. When he learned about the study, he said he would also give up hookah. “I quit,” he said, “for the sake of my health.” Views: 3331 | E-mail
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