Smoking hookah is more serious than you think

CHENNAI: Queuing up in a hookah parlour for that seemingly harmless whiff has become an increasingly popular sight in the city. Many young hookah users and their parents, however, seem hardly aware of the health hazards, from asthma to addiction, that it can cause. Hookah sessions enjoy great patronage today, and cost somewhere between `300-500 for around an hour in Chennai. Owner of a popular city hookah parlor says that his business is facing a terrific boom, thanks the introduction of hookah to the menu.“My favorite flavour double apple is a means for me to de-stress myself after a hectic day.” says Prabhu Roy, a 36-year-0ld businessman. “I hated cigarettes ever since I was a kid. I hated the smell of it. I heard that hookah is different; it has flavor and contains just 1  per cent tobacco. I liked it after a try and it is quiet relaxing after a busy day. I do it thrice a week.” says Raudra, a second year student. Many like Raudra are unaware that they are in danger of addiction.Parents too usually warn their kids against cigarettes, alcohol and drugs but they do not seem to oppose the hookah “I would not mind because today’s generation is independent and free-thinking. If I don’t allow they might have it without my knowledge too” says Maria Thomas, mother of a teenager.“Hookah causes various kind of diseases from asthma, to even a mouth and lung cancer. When the waterpipe used for the hookah is not sterilized, it can lead to many communicable diseases like fungal and viral infection. Teens are most sensitive to becoming addicted to nicotine, an addictive substance that can kickstart smoking habit.” says Babu Manohar, an ENT specialist. “The molasses and the nicotine content accompanied with tobacco can cause bronchitis. It is also very unhygienic since the smokers pass around the waterpipe,” he adds. It is a popular myth that hookah is less harmful than a cigarette as the smoke from a typical hookah session equals smoke from roughly 100 cigarettes. No study has given a confirmation so far that the waterpipe filters out all the toxins.