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subject: Are Hookahs Bad for You? [print this page]

Are Hookahs Bad for You?
Are Hookahs Bad for You?

Can it cause lung cancer? After all, a

hookah is a mere water pipe that dilutes the smoke. Certainly it is less risky than smoking

cigarettes, its supporters say. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

disagrees, saying that like cigarettes, hookah smoking increases the user's cancer risk.

Hookah Use Increases in the U.S.

Hookah-smoking is a growing phenomenon among youth, according to the CDC. The

artistically-designed hookah can be easily bought and, like any water pipe, stuffed with

sweetened tobacco, and smoked legally. Middle Eastern restaurants with exotic belly dancers

and hookah bars are also growing in popularity. The traditional 400-year-old practice is to

offer the Hookah experience (at a price), along with drinks, for the pleasure of their patrons.

It is usually a shared experience at an elegant table in such cosmopolitan locales as New

York, Boston, Seattle and Miami. But many people smoke at home alone, or with friends.

Hookah Smokers Defend Use"Not enough studies to prove it is harmful!" say the habitual

users and those who promote their hookah products on the Internet. There have not been

enough reliable clinical trials to determine whether hookah smoking is harmful, they say.

Hookah smokers claim that it is a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes and some say it

gives them a high of sorts.

CDC: Cancer Risks Same As Cigarettes

The Centers for Disease Control says otherwise. In a list of 12 possible side effects complied

by the CDC, Hookah smoking can lead to nicotine addiction and the increased risk of

developing lung cancer."Hookah tobacco and smoke contain numerous toxicants known to

cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases, " states the CDC. "Even after it has

passed through water, the smoke produced by a hookah contains high levels of toxic

compounds, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals."

Invest in barista training, if serving espresso. For the coffee lover, nothing beats great

espresso. And many smokers also drink coffee. Don't overlook the financial advantage that

comes with being known for serving great coffee. You might woo new customers from one

side of the business to the other this way. It is well worth it to invest in solid training or hire a

trained barista, though. Contact the American Barista & Coffee School for information on

barista training.

Design your lounge to project a relaxing atmosphere. Bohemian or Middle Eastern dcor are

popular in hookah bars. Outfit your lounge with curtains, sofas, bean bags, tables, chairs and

art that will reinforce your theme. Implement warm lighting and music. Consider

implementing entertainment such as live music, a DJ, open-mic nights, belly dancers, cards,

poker or arcade games.

Purchase 10 to 20 hookahs, depending on the size of your location, keeping in mind that

three to four customers will rent a hookah for at least 45 minutes. Offer a good selection of

shisha, without overdoing it; you don't want to run the risk of having a less than popular

shisha that ultimately dries out. About 10 to 15 flavors is a good selection. Additionally, you'll

need to secure suppliers for your coffee, food and beverages for your caf and espresso bar.

Retail options are also available for exploration.

WHO: Hookah smoke is toxic

The World Health Organization (WHO) says "There is surprising little research about water

pipe smoking despite the millions of users worldwide." The WHO says hookah smoking is

increasing and more research is needed. The organization provides these warnings in its 2005

fact sheet on smoking water pipes:

1) A typical one-hour long water pipe smoking session involves inhaling 100-200 more times

the volume of smoke inhaled with a single cigarette.

2) Secondhand smoke from water pipes is a mixture of tobacco smoke in addition to smoke

from the fuel and therefore poses a serious risk for non-smokers.

Even after the smoke of the burning tobacco goes through the water, it is still full of toxic

compounds, according to WHO. So while hookahs may be beautiful to look at, research says

they do pose health risks.

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