Hookah

Hookah: Q&A

• Question

  Is smoking hookah safer than smoking cigarettes?

  Answer

  No. An average, hour-long hookah smoking session can expose you to as much smoke as 100 cigarettes. Not only that, nicotine levels in hookah can lead to addiction.

  
• Question

  Doesn't the water in hookahs make them safer?

  Answer

  That's a myth. The water in hookahs doesn't filter smoke. Hookah smoke still contains high levels of toxic chemicals such as carbon monoxide, metals, and cancer-causing chemicals. In fact, there is no proof that any device or accessory can make waterpipe smoking less risky.

  
• Question

  What are the health risks involved in smoking hookahs?

  Answer

  When the charcoal in the hookah is heated, it can produce high levels of carbon monoxide, metals, and carcinogens. What's more, the charcoal, tobacco, aluminum foil, and bowl used in smoking hookah can expose you to heavy metals like lead.