Most youngsters who were seen smoking hookah said that they took to the practice as they feel that it is less harmful than cigarettes. However, experts believe that smoking hookah is more harmful than smoking cigarettes.
A 16-year-old who was smoking at a hookah joint on Lavelle Road said that he smokes hookah as he felt that it was “less” harmful and was introduced to this by his peers.
However, Vishal Rao U.S., Member of the High-Powered Committee - Tobacco Control, Government of Karnataka, said that hookah smokers may actually 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 an hour. “While research about hookah smoking is being done, evidence shows that it poses many dangers. Hookah smoke contains high levels of toxic compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens),” he said and pointed out that hookah smokers are exposed to more carbon monoxide and smoke than are cigarette smokers. Dr. Rao also added that it is linked to lung and oral cancers, heart disease and other serious illnesses.
