A majority of smokers mistakenly believe that smoking a shisha is less dangerous than smoking cigarettes. The belief that the water in the pipe filters the smoke of toxins is not true. It is well-known that cancer-causing substances and other particles stay in the tobacco smoke as it travels through the water in air bubbles. Smoking shisha has many health risks.
It is usually smoked by several people who share one mouthpiece, which creates the risk of contracting a contagious disease. Herpes, hepatitis and tuberculosis can be transmitted by the pipe. A fungus called aspergillus, which causes a severe lung infection, and Helicobacter, which causes stomach ulcers, can be spread from the pipe or the method of tobacco preparation. Shisha smokers smoke for longer periods and inhale more frequently than cigarette smokers.
They are exposed to high levels of cancer-causing substances and toxins. The charcoal used to heat the tobacco adds even more of these chemicals. Cancer of the lung, bladder and mouth can result. I would like to address the youth to please avoid shisha for the sake of your family.
FARAZ HAIDER
Karachi
