The Health Effects Of Water Pipe Smoking - 1528 Words

Water-pipe smoking has become increasingly popular in the United States. Its potential impact on life-threatening conditions, nicotine dependence, and because of the lack of knowledge about its health effects, water-pipe smoking represents various public health hazards (Dugas 1). The health effects of smoking hookah are constantly misjudged, causing young adults to believe they are smoking without consequences to their well-being. This may not be their fault considering the media’s misrepresentation of water-pipe tobacco’s effects on smoker’s health are allowing it to become more popular without the public knowing the negative ramifications. Since the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not regulated the packaging or the†¦show more content†¦As explained in Erika Dugas’ article, Water-Pipe Smoking Among North American Youths.,† a study shows â€Å"the tar content in a single session of water-pipe smoking to be equivalent to twenty low tar cigarettes. Water-pipe use has been linked to lung cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases, and pregnancy-related complications, although the health risks are likely influenced by the quantity and type of tobacco used, the duration and frequency of water-pipe use by the smoker, the volume of smoke inhaled, and the burn temperature (Dugas 2). Also, â€Å"The lack of public health oversight, poor sanitation, and inadequate cleaning of water-pipes raise concerns of infectious disease spread† (Martinasek 42). Water-pipe tobacco smoking is often a social behavior that involves sharing the same water-pipe, it may increase the chances of spreading infectious diseases (Cobb 1). This is explained in Caroline Cobb’s article â€Å"Water-pipe Tobacco Smoking: An Emerging Health Crisis in the United States.† Disposable mouthpieces are available to address this concern, though their acceptability, actual use, and ultimate effectiveness are unknown. as expla ined before, â€Å"Water-pipe smoking has been shown to contribute to infectious diseases† (Martinasek 42). There is concern over viruses and bacteria that may be transmitted through oral secretions. Water-pipe smoking has the