Waterpipe

Waterpipe

A waterpipe is a device used primarily for smoking flavored tobacco, also known as hookah or shisha. The waterpipe has a long history, with origins tracing back to the Mughal Empire in India and quickly spreading to the Middle East, North Africa, and eventually to Western societies.

Structure and Function

The waterpipe consists of several components: the bowl, the ashtray, the stem, the vase, the hose, and the mouthpiece. The tobacco is placed in the bowl, which is covered with a perforated foil or metal screen. Hot coals are then placed on top of the foil, heating the tobacco and creating smoke. The smoke is drawn down the stem, through the water in the vase, and out through the hose and mouthpiece.

The water in the vase serves to cool and humidify the smoke, as well as to filter out some of the heavier particles and water-soluble substances. However, it is a common misconception that this makes waterpipe smoking safer than other forms of tobacco use. In fact, the World Health Organization has stated that a typical one-hour session of waterpipe smoking can be as harmful as smoking 100-200 cigarettes.

Health Effects

Waterpipe smoking is associated with many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease. Additionally, because waterpipe smoking is often a social activity, it can also carry risks of infectious disease transmission, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis.

Regulation and Public Health

Many countries have regulations in place to control the sale and use of waterpipes, particularly to minors. However, enforcement of these regulations can be challenging, particularly in settings such as hookah bars or cafes. Public health campaigns are also important for raising awareness about the health risks associated with waterpipe smoking.

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A typical waterpipe, or hookah

See Also

• Tobacco smoking
• Electronic cigarette
• Health effects of tobacco