Hookah smoking is a very popular entertainment among modern youth. This service is available in many nightlife venues. At the same time, smokers retire to special zones. Many consider this one of the evidence of the harmful effects of smoking hookahs on human health. But some people believe that hookahs are harmless.
The history of hookahs
This hobby originated in ancient India. Its inhabitants cleaned the coconut shell from the insides, poured water into it and used these vessels for smoking hashish. Gradually, narcotic substances were replaced by medicinal herbs, spices and strong black tobacco.
In a short time, hookahs spread to all countries of the Islamic world. In Egypt, they were made from a particularly hard variety of pumpkins. Ancient Persians inserted porcelain tubes into flasks and inhaled smoke through snake skin. The word "hookah" is of Persian origin. So called pots in which women kept their jewelry. In the Ottoman Empire, metal and leather were used to make hookahs.
Smoking a hookah is a special part of the Arabian culture, a traditional ritual. During the hookah, people relaxed, chatted with friends, and discussed philosophical issues. Quitting smoking together was considered disrespectful. The presence of a hookah in the house indicated the social position in the society of its owner.
They were made of glass, crystal and precious metals. Some antique appliances are real works of art. They began to be used in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. At first as expensive souvenirs, and after a while and as smoking appliances.
In our country, hookahs became popular in the 90s of the last century. At this time, the Russians first began to relax in Turkey and Egypt. The first hookahs were brought from Russia to these countries.
Harm of smoking a hookah
Many believe that this youth hobby is harmless. After all, the device is designed so that the process of burning coal minimally affects tobacco. The smoke that the smoker inhales is cleaned and cooled by the liquid in the flask.
But still, smoking a hookah is seriously harmful to health. Due to the high heating temperature, the smoking mixture emits carbon monoxide. It mixes with water vapor and enters the smoker's body. This substance is poisonous. It binds hemoglobin in the blood and causes oxygen deficiency in the smoker. The water filter cannot completely clear the smoke of harmful substances.
Smoke poisoning
In some cases, prolonged smoking of a hookah causes poisoning. Signs of poisoning: dizziness, throbbing in the temples, vomiting, nausea, tachycardia, increased pressure, redness of the skin, chest pain. In some cases, hallucinations appear. When these signs appear, it is necessary to take the person to fresh air and consult a doctor.
Harmful substances
Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. When burned, carcinogens that cause cancer and other diseases are released. Hookah smoke contains 27 substances of this type. Often when smoking a hookah, a person drinks alcohol or uses it as a cleaning fluid. Vapors of alcohol along with smoke damage the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Tobacco quality is very difficult to verify. It may contain substances that are much more harmful than nicotine. Smoking a hookah is contraindicated in minors and pregnant.
Nicotine-free hookah
Is hookah without nicotine harmful in water ? Some people prefer to use tobacco without nicotine to reduce its harmful effects on the body. Instead of the mixture, special tobacco for hookah without nicotine is used . But in fact, it is not safe. Hookah without nicotine is harmful to health . During inhaling, the smoker inhales a huge amount of smoke. For an hour using a hookah, a person consumes a volume of smoke equivalent to a pack of regular cigarettes. The absence of nicotine in a hookah does not mean that this process is harmless to the body.
Resins settle in the smoker's bronchi. With deeper puffs, carbon monoxide acts on the lower respiratory tract. Arsenic, chromium, lead and carboxyhemoglobin - all these substances accumulate in the body of a person who abuses hookah smoking. Such people have an earthy complexion and darkened teeth. Smoking hookah can cause lung cancer, heart disease. At the same time, hookah is usually smoked by a large company. This increases the risk of the spread of infectious diseases that are transmitted by airborne droplets. Using an individual mouthpiece solves the problem. When smoking a hookah in a public place, it is impossible to check the cleanliness of the device.
Is hookah without nicotine harmful to health? His safety is just an advertising move. In addition, the use of hookahs without nicotine allows owners of nightlife to circumvent the law on the restriction of smoking in public places. The absence of this substance in the smoking mixture does not affect the addiction to such a pastime.
Electronic hookahs
Such devices appeared on the market 5 years ago. Their manufacturers positioned the device as an effective way to quit smoking. The principle of their operation is no different from the device of electronic cigarettes. They consist of a battery and a tank, which is filled with a special fluid. When the button is pressed, the battery heats the spiral, to which the tank is charged.
Instead of smoke, a person inhales the vapor that forms from a liquid when heated. Gradually, reducing the amount of nicotine in the liquid, the smoker can completely stop smoking. When soaring, tar and carbon monoxide are not released. The device has a compact size and emits odorless vapor, so it can be used in public places.
Harm electronic hookahs
The composition of the liquid includes substances such as propylene glycol and glycerin. They are not intended to be inhaled internally and often cause allergic reactions. Various flavors are also added to the liquid. When heated, some of them can break down into compounds that lead to cancer and other diseases. In addition, vapers often prepare liquids on their own, not observing the necessary proportions of substances.
Electronic cigarettes and hookahs are not subject to mandatory certification. The effect of electronic hookahs without nicotine has not been fully studied. Their manufacturers do not want to spend huge amounts of money on research. The consequences of using hookahs without nicotine do not immediately affect, but after a few years. The pleasant taste of flavorings quickly leads to the formation of physical and psychological dependence. Replacing one smoking method with another is ineffective.
Conclusion
Smoking a hookah is not a safe alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. The statement that hookah is less harmful to the body is very controversial. Despite the presence of a water filter, the smoke from a hookah has a detrimental effect on the human body.
Like tobacco smoke, it poisons not only the smoker, but also the people around him. Cheap tobacco may contain harmful and toxic substances. Electronic hookahs also can not be considered harmless. Their safety is not confirmed by scientific research. Devices do not pass quality control. For reasons of economy, manufacturers can use substandard and unsafe materials.