Hookah Use May be as Dangerous as Smoking Cigarettes

The World Health Organization issued a warning yesterday that smoking tobacco out of a water pipe, also known as a hookah is hazardous and poses similar risks to the smoker that cigarette smoking does.

Historically, the hookah pipe has been in use for centuries in North Africa, the Middle East and Central and South Asia. It is only recently however, that this method of smoking tobacco has made its way to the United States. Hookah bars are gaining in popularity, primarily with the 18 to 24 year old age group.

From WHO:

"Using a water pipe to smoke tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking," the U.N. health agency said in a seven-page document on the practice. "Contrary to ancient lore and popular belief, the smoke that emerges from a water pipe contains numerous toxicants known to cause lung cancer, heart disease and other diseases."

WHO Warns Against Water Pipe Smoking

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