Smoking hookah could be as detrimental to a person’s health as cigarettes, but most people are not aware of the negative health risks, according to a 2010 study.
The study, conducted in 2007 by the U. Montreal Hospital Research Center, found that hookah, and other forms of water pipe smoking, usage increased from 8 percent in 2006 to 23 percent in 2007 among North American young adults ages 15 to 24 because of lack of education about possible health risks, which are similar to cigarettes.
The tobacco in water pipes contain the same harmful products as cigarettes, including nicotine, carbon dioxide and various metals, according to the study.
Although many young adults believe hookah has lower nicotine content, different water pipe products and smoking patterns could result in a higher nicotine intake than cigarettes, said Jennifer O’Loughlin, professor of epidemiology at the U. Montreal and coauthor of the study.
Athens City-County Health Commissioner James Gaskell said that tobacco smoking is a serious problem among young adults in Athens.
“The most important thing we can do is prevent tobacco use in kids,” said Gaskell.
In order to help treat nicotine addiction and tobacco use, Athens County has a part-time tobacco prevention coordinator, Nancy Schell, to help individuals quit.
Schell was unavailable to comment.
Although funds are not available, Gaskell said he wants the Athens City-County Health Department to increase promotion of a tobacco-free community.
Zach Carlson, an Ohio U. freshman studying graphic design, smokes hookah in moderation and is not worried about the side effects.
“Hookah is fine by me as long as you know what you’re doing and don’t get crazy about it,” Carlson said.
Hookah is growing in popularity because of low cost, easy access, social interaction, flavors that cover up the taste of tobacco, and perceptions of low health risk, according to the study.
“It is important for people to understand the products they are putting into their lungs,” said Erika Dugas, co-author of the study.