Hookah popularity rises along with medical concerns

Araina Edwards

The Signal

The ancient past time of hookah is reborn as it gains popularity among students.

Hookahs, commonly referred to as “water pipes,” originated in the Middle East and have been around for centuries. In the past few years, hookah cafes, bars, lounges and retail shops have gained worldwide popularity, especially among high school and college students.

At first glance, a hookah might resemble a bong, a device commonly used for smoking marijuana. However, a hookah contains more parts (head, body, water bowl, hose and mouthpiece) and is used for smoking tobacco and shisha (an herbal smoke option).

Smoking hookah is often a group activity and individuals can choose from a variety of flavored tobacco or shisha. The tobacco or shisha is heated by charcoal, which creates smoke. The smoke is then inhaled through the mouthpiece, which is often passed around the group.

Hookah smoking is often touted as a “safer alternative” to cigarettes because the smoke is filtered through water, but the medical community disputes this claim.

“There is no evidence to support the claim that it’s safer or healthier,” said Darryl Konter, health communications specialist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC produced a report about the negative effects of hookah. The report claims that “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.” The report also states that there are dangers associated with sharing the mouthpiece.

Truett Manning, a University of Houston-Clear Lake communication major, explained that he and his friends do not mind the potential health risks associated with sharing the mouthpiece.

“Usually I go with my friends, two to three of us, and we don’t care, but I wouldn’t do it with a stranger,” Manning said.

Many hookah outlets offer an herbal option because it is often deemed “safer” than tobacco. However, there is insufficient research to support this belief. Even if the herbal smoke is found to be a safer alternative, research by both the CDC and Tobacco Free U reports that the charcoal used to heat the hookah produces smoke that contains carbon monoxide, metals and carcinogens.

Hookah Town, an online retail store, opts to sell herbal molasses in order to offer cigarette smokers another option. The company’s founder, Nathan Mark, admits that there are risks associated with smoking shisha.

“Too much of anything is not good for you, so herbal [smoking] is healthier but not completely risk free,” Mark said.

Mark describes hookah as a “social facilitator” for young people. His company uses the slogan “the new chill” to describe how having a drink at the bar is the “old chill,” while hookah is the “new chill.”

“Hookah is something to relax and chill with,” Mark said. “Instead of having a beer, you have a hookah.”

Those who enjoy hookah agree that the “new chill” experience is not just smoke and mirrors. Manning explains that he and his friends enjoy hanging out at local hookah bars.

“It’s fun, and there is also food and drinks at some of the bars,” Manning said.

Ashley Issa, 27-year-old store associate at Perk and Puff Lounge in Houston, is a social hookah smoker.

“Hookah is relaxing and a part of a social atmosphere,” Issa said.

Whether or not people agree, the fact remains that hookah is indeed starting a conversation. So, do you puff? Or will you pass?




Video created by The Signal reporter Rose Pulido.