Description
The rising popularity of hookah among the young generation has sparked concerns about its potential health effects. Despite its social appeal, hookah smoking exposes individuals to harmful substances, including carcinogens and toxins. The misconception that it is a safer alternative to cigarettes contributes to its widespread use. This introduction explores the impact of hookah on the health and habits of the youth, shedding light on the need for awareness and education regarding the potential risks associated with this culturally embraced form of tobacco consumption.
Summary Listen
- Hookah smoking originated in Persia and India, evolving from traditional usage among village folk to sweetened and flavored shisha in modern times. Newer forms include e-hookahs and herbal hookahs. A typical hookah consists of a bowl, plate, body, water jar, and mouthpiece. The heat from charcoal vaporizes the tobacco, and the smoke passes through water before inhalation.
- One hour of hookah smoking can be as harmful as smoking 100 cigarettes, delivering 25 times the tar of a single cigarette. The amount of smoke inhaled in a hookah session (90,000 ml) significantly exceeds that of a cigarette (500-600 ml). Hookah smoke contains carbon monoxide and nicotine, leading to potential health hazards, including cancer and heart diseases.
- Health risks associated with hookah include nicotine addiction, lung dysfunction, increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and pulmonary issues. Long-term side effects encompass chronic obstructive airway diseases and various cancers. Short-term effects include increased heart rate and carbon monoxide intoxication. Hookah smoke also impacts cardiovascular health, fertility, and fetal development during pregnancy.
- Hookah use is increasing among adolescents, with prevalence rates varying across different regions. The hookah epidemic is driven by the presence of hookah lounges, online retail markets, and the rising popularity of tobacco-free hookahs. However, even herbal or flavored hookahs can contain harmful carcinogens and toxic agents.
- Numerous Indian laws, including the Poison Act, Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act, Food Safety and Standard Act, and IPC sections, can be invoked against hookah bars. States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan have banned hookah bars by amending tobacco product acts. Action against hookah bars includes launching FIRs, canceling licenses, and involving various officials from police, food safety, and drug control departments.
- Recommendations to address hookah use include publishing advisories about the harms of hookah in various media, holding meetings with stakeholders, and conducting workshops for law enforcement officers. Tobacco cessation methods like active motivation, behavioral intervention, co-morbidity management, and nicotine replacement therapy can help individuals quit hookah smoking. Organizations like Cipher are actively involved in tobacco cessation programs.
Sample Certificate
About the Speakers
Dr. Rakesh Gupta
PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH, STRATEGIC INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION & RESEARCH (SIPHER)
Comments
Comments
You must be logged in to leave a comment.