What is Hookah?
Hookah, also known as shisha or argileh, is an ancient tradition that has recently increased in popularity among teens and college students. It involves smoking flavored tobacco in a vase-like water pipe with coal-heated smoke that bubbles through cooled water before being inhaled via a flexible hose.
Origins
The origins of hookah can be traced back to the 16th century when tobacco was first smoked through a water pipe. This process became popular among Persian, Indian, Turkish, and North African cultures. It was a symbol of status and was enjoyed in a social setting.
During the 19th century, hookah spread throughout the Middle East and even reached Egypt. At this time Mu’Assel was introduced – a flavored tobacco mix of honey or molasses with the smoke, resulting in flavors like lemon, grape, and watermelon.
The hookah is a large tabletop smoking device that has a body with a bowl, a downstem, and a hose. Burning coals heat the tobacco above a bowl of water, which cools and humidifies the smoke before it is drawn through the hose to be inhaled.
History
The earliest recorded hookah dates back to the 16th century. It was reportedly developed by Hakim Abu’l-Fath Gilani, the court physician to Emperor Akbar in India, throughout the latter half of that century.
At this time, hookah found patronage among the royalty and noble families of the region. This helped elevate the humble shisha into a cultural phenomenon. Craftsmen redefined the look of the hookah and incorporated royal insignias and symbols into its design and form.
By the 17th century, hookah was commonplace in the Middle East. New tobacco types, including Mouassal, flavored with honey and sugarcane, and Jurak, which contains glycerol and flavors, were invented. The hookah has various components, such as the tray, stem, release valve, hose port (where the hose enters), hose gasket, and vase.
Technology
Hookahs are water pipes resembling slender metal vases. Charcoal heats a sweet, sticky tobacco called shisha (also known as narguile and argileh) to produce smoke filtered through cooled water before inhaled through a flexible hose’s stem.
Because of this water filtration, many believe hookah smoking is safer than cigarette smoking. However, studies have shown that water-cooled smoke can still deliver the same amount of nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals to the lungs as cigarette smoke.
In 2016, FDA finalized a rule extending our control to all tobacco products, including hookah tobacco. FDA regulates the manufacture, import, packaging, labeling, advertising, promotion, and sale of hookah tobacco and its components and parts, except for accessories, lighters, and tongs.
Flavors
A hookah, argilah, narghile, or hitboo, is a water pipe used to smoke tobacco blended with different flavors like mint, chocolate, apple, coconut, and licorice. It is commonly smoked in cafes or lounges.
While smoking a hookah is a social activity that can unite people, the health implications are significant. Using a hookah exposes smokers to toxic chemicals, including carbon monoxide, tar, and metals, which increase the risk of lung disease and cancer.
Talking to teens about their use of hookah can be a great way to help them understand the risks and discuss alternatives. You can find more information about retailer responsibilities for tobacco products on our website. This includes links to regulations, guidance, and webinars.
Health
Using a hookah offers a relaxing way to enjoy tobacco with friends. However, it can cause harm to the oral and pulmonary systems. It also contains high amounts of nicotine and other harmful chemicals.
Moreover, hookah smoke has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system as well. It contains aldehydes that induce cardiopulmonary toxicity, PAHs that are carcinogenic, and ammonia which is a respiratory irritant.
Inhaling hookah smoke increases the risk of diseases related to tobacco and secondhand smoking. It also leads to low birth weight in babies born to pregnant smokers. It is important to follow the safety tips to minimize harm. Avoid sharing mouthpieces unless they are sterilized. This will prevent the spread of infection. Also, don’t smoke near flammable materials.