The traditional Middle Eastern tobacco smoking device, known as shisha or hookah, has become increasingly popular amongst young adults around the world. As a social activity, shisha smoking is often considered a harmless form of socializing, where friends gather, relax and enjoy the mellow buzz of the flavoured tobacco. But the truth is that shisha smoking is far from harmless and poses significant health hazards to the smoker and those around them.
Shisha smoking entails inhaling smoke from a water pipe that contains burning charcoal, fruit flavouring, and tobacco. The fruit flavouring masks the bitter taste of tobacco and makes it more appealing to young adults. Shisha smoking has become a growing trend, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 100 million people are regular smokers worldwide. According to a 2019 survey, the UK has seen a 78% rise in the number of 16- to 24-year-olds who smoke shisha, despite the numerous health risks.
shisha smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking
Despite the rise in popularity, shisha smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. In fact, it is far more dangerous due to its longer duration, social appeal, and the false belief that it’s less harmful. In reality, shisha smoking is as detrimental to health as cigarette smoking, if not worse. Shisha smoke contains a higher level of harmful chemicals and is inhaled in larger quantities than cigarette smoke. Therefore, regular shisha smokers are at a higher risk of serious health consequences, some of which we discuss below.
Cancer
Shisha smoking carries a real risk of developing cancer. The smoke inhaled from shisha contains higher levels of toxic chemicals such as carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and nickel, which may increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Regular shisha smokers inhale these chemicals in larger quantities, which can lead to severe lung, throat, or mouth cancer.
Heart Disease
The chemicals found in shisha smoke are also known to increase the risk of heart disease. The carbon monoxide in shisha smoke can reduce the oxygen concentration in the blood, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood around the body. This increased workload can lead to heart disease, including heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Shisha smokers may also develop high blood pressure, which can worsen heart disease.
Respiratory Problems
Shisha smoking can cause a range of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The smoke from shisha irritates the lungs, causing inflammation and damaging the respiratory tract. Over time, this inflammation can lead to permanent lung damage and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is characterized by a persistent cough, wheezing, and breathlessness.
Infectious Diseases
Shisha smoking has been associated with the transmission of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and herpes. Sharing shisha pipes can increase the risk of acquiring these diseases, especially in crowded settings where multiple people are using the same mouthpiece. Additionally, shisha hoses and mouthpieces may carry bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can infect the mouth, throat, and lungs, leading to serious health complications.
Pregnancy Risks
Pregnant women who smoke shisha are at an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight babies. The chemicals found in shisha smoke can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, leading to fetal abnormalities and complications. Moreover, the carbon monoxide in shisha smoke can reduce the amount of oxygen available to the developing fetus, leading to hypoxia, brain damage, and even fetal death.
Passive smoking
Shisha smoking also poses a risk to non-smokers who are exposed to the smoke. The levels of toxic chemicals in shisha smoke are similar to those of second-hand cigarette smoke, making passive smoking a serious health risk. Non-smokers exposed to shisha smoke are at an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. The risk is particularly high for children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
In conclusion, shisha smoking is a risky business that poses serious health hazards to the smoker and those around them. Despite the myths of it being less harmful than cigarettes, shisha smoke contains a higher level of toxic chemicals and is inhaled in greater quantities, leading to a range of health problems such as cancer, respiratory problems, heart disease, infectious diseases, pregnancy risks, and passive smoking. It is essential to create awareness about the health risks of shisha smoking and discourage its use, especially among young adults who are most at risk. Governments and health organizations should impose stricter regulations on shisha smoking and limit its availability in public settings. Finally, those who are addicted to shisha should seek professional help to quit smoking and improve their overall health.
