How Harmful is Hookah? Is Smoking Hookah More Dangerous Than Cigarettes?

Last updated on 22.05.2023 | Reading time: approx. 02:51 min

We all care about our health, so it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of smoking hookah in order to use it responsibly. There are many articles online discussing how harmful hookah smoke is and extensively covering the risks of waterpipes. However, there are currently no solid long-term studies on hookah smoking, making objective discussion difficult.

But let’s be honest—any gaseous substances you inhale that are not fresh air will, over time, have some degree of negative impact on your health.

Is Hookah Harmful?

Smoking is harmful to your health, no matter what. Some harmful substances found in cigarette tobacco are absent in hookah tobacco, while others are present in lower quantities compared to cigarettes. However, the opposite is also true for some components.

For example, the levels of carbon monoxide, tar, and nicotine in hookah smoke are significantly higher than in cigarettes. This is also related to the amount of tobacco used in a hookah bowl. Nicotine is dangerous because it raises blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, hookah tobacco contains a higher concentration of benzene, a highly carcinogenic substance.

One of the most toxic substances for humans is carbon monoxide, which is produced when lighting the charcoal and burning the tobacco. Smoking hookah in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation can lead to mild to severe symptoms of poisoning, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and drowsiness.

If the concentration of carbon monoxide exceeds a certain level, it can cause unconsciousness, and in extreme cases, even death. If you notice symptoms of poisoning, it helps to stop smoking immediately and ensure proper ventilation before more serious effects occur.

Are There Any Other Health Effects?

Hookah smoking carries significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of respiratory diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive bronchitis (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, and high blood pressure. These risks emphasize the importance of taking the potential dangers of hookah smoking seriously.

Is Smoking Hookah More Harmful Than Smoking Cigarettes?

It’s not just the ingredients in the tobacco that matter—hookah is smoked differently from cigarettes. Typically, hookah smoke is inhaled more deeply and for longer durations, partly because users draw more strongly on a hookah mouthpiece than on a cigarette. Additionally, the water-cooled smoke allows for deeper and prolonged inhalation.

Does the Water in a Hookah Filter the Smoke?

The primary function of water in a hookah is to cool the smoke, making it more pleasant to inhale than traditional smoke. However, this also means the smoke reaches deeper into the lungs and is typically retained for a longer time than cigarette smoke. Some substances in the smoke dissolve in the water and do not enter the lungs, but most harmful components remain unaffected.

Conclusion: How Harmful is Hookah Smoking Compared to Cigarettes?

Over time, smoking hookah increases the risk of chronic lung diseases and cancer. Additionally, the nicotine in the smoke is addictive.

In general, the same rule applies to hookah smoking: The dose makes the poison. Harmful substances in smoking products do not cause immediate damage but have long-term effects. Whether the tobacco is prepared for a hookah or a cigarette makes little difference.

If you meet up with friends once a week to enjoy one or two bowls in a social setting, it is unlikely to have the same impact on your life as smoking a pack of cigarettes daily.

Nonetheless, the best choice for your health is no consumption at all. The same applies to all indulgent substances. If you still plan to enjoy a hookah session occasionally, make sure to do so responsibly.