Danger E-hookah popular among teens

Beware of hookahs: experts warn against the e-hookah trend

03/14/2014

E-hookah is currently enjoying great popularity with students. In contrast to e-cigarettes, the electronic water pipes are not subject to the regulations for the protection of minors. However, experts advise against using colored pipes. On the one hand, they encouraged young people to smoke, on the other hand, they sometimes contained harmful substances, the experts said.

No scientifically founded studies on the health risk of e-shishas
E-hookahs are very popular with students. However, experts warn against the colorful water pipes. „The e-shishas bring children and adolescents closer to smoking“, says Oliver Müller-Maar of the drug department of the city of Frankfurt opposite the news agency „dpa“. „They lower the threshold for smoking shishas and cigarettes“, confirmed also Daniela Hubloher of the consumer center Hessen opposite the agency. The liquid evaporators are available in numerous flavors such as chocolate, bubble gum or strawberry. According to information from the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), there is no age restriction on the purchase or consumption of e-shishas, ​​as they are not subject to the youth protection act.

Since the products are relatively new, there are no detailed scientific findings on the health risk of electronic hookahs, reports Prof. Elisabeth Pott, director of the BZgA. Similar to e-cigarettes, however, there are health concerns about the ingredients of Liquids. For example, some shishas contained nicotine despite declaring otherwise. „This can make very fast dependent and lead to health damage“, informs the authority.

„What evaporates is very different, depending on the manufacturer“, explains Müller-Maar. In addition to nicotine, many liquids contain propylene glycol, which can cause respiratory irritation and allergies. „As long as no independent analysis of the ingredients and the inhaled vapors proves a health safety of the products - also with regard to a long-term use - advises the BZgA from the consumption of e-shishas. In particular, these products do not belong in the hands of children and adolescents“, so the conclusion of Pott. „And they are still expensive“, adds Hubloher. (Ag)

Image: Daniel Knußmann