Hookah Smoking Poses Health Risks

Researchers Find Hookah Smoking Can Lead to Serious Oral Conditions.
Source: American Dental Association

Inhaling smoke from a hookah can be dangerous. Experts say that one hookah session or water pipe session may be the equivalent of five packs of cigarettes.

Studies have shown high levels of the carcinogen benzene in the urine of hookah users and those inhaling its second-hand smoke.

Benzene is known to cause leukemia and heart disease.

Businesses in New York City do not need a special permit to serve hookahs. As a consequence of city and state indoor-smoking bans, the mixtures in the hookahs cannot contain tobacco. Earlier this year, the NYC Health Department closed several hookah bars because the “herbs” were found to be laced with tobacco.

Bronx Breathes, a local anti-smoking group, has said in the past that non-tobacco hookah smokers are also putting themselves at risk of cardiac problems.

Bronxites thinking of smoking a hookah should think twice. And possibly live longer.