The Dangers of Smoking Hookah

Every week some people may stop by Hollywood Hookah on Marshall Street to smoke flavored tobacco. Others may have a hookah in their home.

Some of those people may not know what they are inhaling could be harmful to their health. According to officials from Tobacco Free Onondaga County during forty to sixty minute sessions smoking hookah is equivalent to smoking ten cigarettes.

"I was under the impression that just smoking the pure tobacco was not as nearly as bad. They always tell you that all the things all the things they add to it are so much worse. And had thought that the pure tobacco wasn't bad." Rob Solonick patron of Hollywood Hookah.

Jenny Dickinson from Onondaga Health Department says there are a lot of myths about smoking hookah.

"The misinterpretation there is hookah is more natural and it doesn;t have many health affects as if that it is just a misconception there are a lot of negative health affects associated with hookah as well as cigarettte use."

According to Jenny Dickinson people who smoke hookah are more at risk for getting oral and bladder cancer, cancer of the esophagus and gum disease.

The mouth piece used to inahle the smoke has been known to carry hepatitis and turberculosis. For more information about the harmful use of smoking hookah you can visit tobaccofreeu.org.