Smoke shisha? Here’s FIVE facts you urgently need to know
Shisha or hookah smoking has long been common in South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Now it’s becoming increasingly popular in the UK, not least because some believe it’s less harmful than cigarettes. But that is NOT accurate - in fact shisha can be MUCH WORSE!
1. Shisha is not just as bad as smoking - it can be much much worse
During a shisha session, you can inhale the same amount of smoke as you would from cigarettes or tobacco.
Plus, because shisha is burnt using charcoal, people who use shisha can also be exposed to higher levels of poisonous carbon monoxide.
2. It’s just as addictive!
It still contains nicotine and that’s a very addictive drug. The very same drug that keeps smokers smoking cigarettes
3. Just because it tastes good, doesn’t mean it’s not bad for you
Shisha tobacco comes in many different flavours. That sweet smell is because it’s often mixed with dark brown molasses sugar. But that doesn’t change the fact it’s nicotine-filled tobacco heated by burning wood, coal or charcoal.
So, alongside nicotine and carbon monoxide, you’re also breathing in tar and heavy metals such as arsenic and lead.
4. Water is not a filter
Smoking through water might make it seem cooler, smoother or easier to inhale but – it’s still nicotine and smoke. Water doesn’t filter out poisons and, if you’re making it easier to inhale smoke, that’s not a good thing.
5. Even tobacco-free shisha has associated health risks
Even without tobacco – smoke still produces harmful levels of toxins. This can be as bad – or even worse for you – than smoking cigarettes.
The best thing to do is not smoke shisha or have shisha burning in your home.
