Sheesha is More Toxic than Smoking Tobacco

Researchers said that even though the sheesha popularity has increased in recent years, it is more dangerous than smoking tobacco.

The researchers analyzed emissions during a typical sheesha session using a custom-built testing device. It was found that one draw from the pipe contains as many harmful substances as a cigarette.

Study lead author Veronique Perraud from the University of California said that there are many toxic and harmful chemicals in hookah mainstream smoke which is directly inhaled. “The toxic chemicals include nicotine that can lead to tobacco addiction, irritating carbonyl compounds, and benzene, a known carcinogen.”

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Perraud said, “Due to the greater volume inhaled in every puff and the longer duration of a smoking session, the hookah often delivers a higher dose of those chemicals to the smoker.”

Also, it produces a large quantity of carbon monoxide from charcoal burning to heat tobacco or herbal mixture in its bowl.

Aerosol Science and Technology study published in the journal referred to different cases of carbon monoxide intoxication.

A nicotine-free herbal mixture is said to be a healthier alternative but it was discovered that it produces even higher levels of toxic gases.

She said, “Through our technique of testing emissions in the beginning, midpoint, and end of a smoking session, we were able to show that a smoker is exposed to a higher quantity of ultrafine particles during the first 10 minutes compared with the rest of the session.”