Hookah less harmful than cigarette is a popular misconception that may have serious ramifications for the youth especially among the females. Smoking water pipes or hookahs can be more harmful than cigarettes, doctors have warned. While many hookah smokers may think this practice is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking.
Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors, such as apple, mint, cherry, chocolate, coconut, licorice, cappuccino, and watermelon. Although many users think it is less harmful, hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an hour-long hookah smoking session involves 200 puffs, while smoking an average cigarette involves 20 puffs. In-fact secondhand smoke from hookahs can also be a health risk for nonsmokers. It contains smoke from the tobacco as well as smoke from the heat source (e.g., charcoal) used in the hookah.