What are the ill effects of smoking hookah?

Question

Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors, such as apple, mint, cherry, chocolate, coconut, licorice, cappuccino, and watermelon. Although many users think it is less harmful, hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking. They inhale more tobacco smoke than cigarette smokers because of the large volume of smoke they inhale in one smoking session, which can last as long as 60 minutes. Hookah smoke contains high levels of toxic compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). In fact, hookah smokers are exposed to more carbon monoxide and smoke than are cigarette smokers. It is linked to lung and oral cancers, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. It delivers about the same amount of nicotine as cigarette smoking, possibly leading to tobacco dependence. The smoke poses dangers associated with secondhand smoke. Smoking by pregnant women can result in low birth weight babies. Hookah pipes used in hookah bars and cafes may not be cleaned properly, risking the spread of infectious diseases.

Saul Pereira · Accepted Answer

Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors, such as apple, mint, cherry, chocolate, coconut, licorice, cappuccino, and watermelon. Although many users think it is less harmful, hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking. They inhale more tobacco smoke than cigarette smokers because of the large volume of smoke they inhale in one smoking session, which can last as long as 60 minutes. Hookah smoke contains high levels of toxic compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). In fact, hookah smokers are exposed to more carbon monoxide and smoke than are cigarette smokers. It is linked to lung and oral cancers, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. It delivers about the same amount of nicotine as cigarette smoking, possibly leading to tobacco dependence. The smoke poses dangers associated with secondhand smoke. Smoking by pregnant women can result in low birth weight babies. Hookah pipes used in hookah bars and cafes may not be cleaned properly, risking the spread of infectious diseases.