Overview of Information About Hookah
- A hookah is a type of water pipe used for smoking tobacco.
- Hookah is generally a social activity - people sit together to share a pipe, often at a hookah bar or café.
- Many people mistakenly believe that smoking hookah is safer than other forms of tobacco.
Effects of Hookah
- Hookah tobacco, like all tobacco, contains nicotine - the most addictive substance known to humans.
- Smoking a hookah for 45 minutes is the same as chain smoking 15 cigarettes.
- It is possible to become addicted to nicotine after smoking hookah just a few times.
Other Risks of Hookah
- A hookah smoker inhales 8 times more carbon monoxide and 36 times more tar in a typical session than someone who smokes 1 cigarette.
- Like other forms of tobacco, hookah smoking raises the risks of serious health problems, such as cancer, heart disease and lung problems.
- Colds, flu, and even herpes can be passed when people share a hookah pipe.
- Hookah smokers also have a much higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss than nonsmokers.
Prevention and Treatment of Hookah Usage
- Don't start smoking hookah, and avoid going to bars, clubs or café's that offer hookah.
- Because hookah smoking is a social activity, turning it down when your friends want to smoke can be difficult. Suggest alternative activities, such as going out to eat, dancing or going to a concert.
- To make a confidential appointment at no charge for one-on-one cessation assistance, please call (530) 752-6334 or go to Health-e-Messaging and log in to schedule an appointment with a Safe Zone trained Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Intervention Services Coordinator.
Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus
For a healthier community and cleaner environment, UC Davis will be smoke and tobacco free effective January 1, 2014. Call the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Intervention Services Coordinator to find out more regarding individual tobacco cessation services available at no charge to all registered students at (530) 752–6334.
Resources
Hookah Infographic
