Hookah Trends Increased health risk due to hookahs

Minister of Health warns against health hazards caused by hookahs
Oriental hookahs play an increasing role in this country as well. But the risks involved are often underestimated by consumers. The belief that tracing the hookah is a less toxic smoke than that of a cigarette is widespread. Bavaria's Health Minister Huml warns young people in particular about the health risks caused by so-called "shishas".

smoking is dangerous for your health
According to research there are fewer and fewer smokers in Germany, but one reason for the all-clear is not. Tobacco use promotes numerous diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases. According to some experts, hookah smoking is particularly harmful. Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml warns again against the health risks of shishas.

Some people think that pulling a hookah is a less toxic smoke than a cigarette. But health experts warn young people in particular of the dangers of shisha. (Image: Roman Ribaliov / fotolia.com)

Burdens on heart and lungs
The CSU politician referred to relevant findings of the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL). As a result, smoking of coal-powered water pipes creates hazardous pollutants - even when tobacco-free smoking products are used, according to a statement from the ministry.

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) had recently pointed out that tobacco-free hookahs can endanger health.

"Especially young people should not underestimate the risks of hookahs. This is not a harmless pleasure. Because the high pollutant load of the indoor air through the smoking of hookahs causes great stress for the heart and lungs, "explained Huml.

High carbon monoxide levels
According to the LGL findings, smoking indoor hookahs causes, among other things, high levels of carbon monoxide when the coal is burned.

The measured in the indoor air carbon monoxide levels regularly exceed the prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Leitwerte. In addition, ultra-fine particles and carcinogenic substances occur in the room air.

"In particular, people with pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases as well as pregnant women should avoid waterpipe smoke", explained the minister, who herself is a doctor.

Warning about the consumption of e-shishas and e-cigarettes
In addition, Huml again warned against the consumption of e-shishas and e-cigarettes. "E-shisha and e-cigarettes can be the first step towards nicotine addiction. In addition, these harmless-looking products may contain harmful substances, "said the politician.

And the health effects of nicotine are also threatening with e-cigarettes and whistles.

Since 1 April 2016, electronic cigarettes and so-called e-hookahs in Germany can only be sold to adults. This also applies to the mail order business. Huml underlined: "E-shisha and e-cigarettes are not in the hands of children and adolescents!" (Ad)