Lifting the smoke screen on the danger of hookah
It’s been a growing trend here in the valley and across the state. But although many believe it’s a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, there are very real dangers to smoking hookah.
The growing popularity of hookah cafes and bars is re igniting the centuries-old tradition. Venues such as these are becoming popular social scenes where many young people pick up the water pipe and smoke flavored tobacco.
But that’s not the way many hookah users see it.
“It’s way different than tobacco,” says hookah smoker Travis Bogard. “It’s like five percent tobacco and it’s not really like smoking a cigarette. I don’t like cigarettes or other tobacco products like that. It’s just mellow.”
Many medical professionals say misconceptions such as these among young smokers are frightening. Doctors say hookah is just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes and that it carries the same risks of lung cancer and other serious health problems.
“The fact is, there is no such thing as tobacco with no tar, with no nicotine, and no cancer-causing agents,” explains Victoria Frensdorff, smoking cessation specialist. “They all have it and you’re consuming that by even trying hookah. Hookah and things like cigars that kids say ‘I don’t really inhale, I just let it sit in my mouth’ (is a) huge risk for oral cancer.”
A common myth parents hear from their kids is that hookah is safe because the water filters the tobacco. But while it may feel less harsh on your lungs, experts say the water does not remove any cancer-causing chemicals.
Research shows smoking hookah for one hour exposes you to 100 to 200 times the amount of smoke inhaled by a single cigarette.
“The increased danger of this is because of the amount of time,” continues Frensdorff. “If you ask any kid that goes to a hookah bar are you there five minutes and then you leave? No. They are in there for at least half an hour to an hour or maybe even two or three.”
Many hookah bars post the Surgeon General’s warnings in their menus so customers are aware of the risks. But there is also growing concern about sharing a mouthpiece and spreading diseases.
Some places offer a mouth cover for individual use.
“We’ll give you as many tips as there are people at the table and we recommend each person uses their own tip,” says hookah bar employee Steve Kinion.
Although it’s a habit that’s been around for years, hookah is now re-emerging as one with a list of consequences.
Many teens believe hookah does not contain nicotine but experts explain that’s a myth; they say the nicotine in hookah can make you addicted and even lead to other forms of tobacco use.
By Callie Fisher
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