Shisha

Shisha smoking

Shisha smoking involves heating tobacco with charcoal. It is referred to as smoldering. The smoke is passed through water and travels through a hose to the mouthpiece, which is used to inhale it. It is mostly smoked in shisha bars or cafes in a social setting. Many varieties exist and electric hookahs are also available today.

Ingredients

Numerous flavorings are added to the tobacco, for example with an apple, cherry, mint, chocolate or coffee flavor. The idea that the smoke is purified by the water and is less harmful than cigarette smoking is false. Its components include:

  • Nicotine
  • Flavorings
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Tar
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzpyrene, aromatic amines.
  • Volatile aldehydes such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
  • Phenols
  • Free radicals
  • Furans
  • Humectants such as glycerol
  • Nanoparticles
  • Heavy metals
  • Nitric oxide (NO), nitrosamines

This is an unhealthy mixture of chemicals, some of which also come from burning coal, and some of which are carcinogenic.

Areas of application

As a relaxing stimulant and intoxicant. The desired effects are mediated by nicotine.

Precautions

Smoking should not be done during pregnancy. Possible consequences include lower birth weight and respiratory disease. Smoking should also be avoided in the presence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Adverse effects

Shisha smoking is strongly discouraged because of the possible adverse effects and potential for dependence. It can promote cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease, limits cognitive abilities, and is a risk factor for developing lung cancer and other cancers. Also unhealthy is the high level of carbon monoxide, which binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells and makes oxygen transport impossible. Poisoning has been reported time and again. Infectious diseases are transmitted when the mouthpiece is shared and if hygiene is inadequate. Numerous bacteria have been found in and on hookahs in studies, including various pathogens. Because of the nicotine, hookah smoking can be as dependent and addictive as tobacco smoking.