Lecture Notes: The Health Risks of Smoking Shisha

Introduction to Shisha

• Definition: Shisha, also known as hookah, is a form of smoking using fruit-flavored tobacco.
• Setup: Tobacco is placed in a clay pot, wrapped in foil, and heated with charcoal.
• Inhalation Process: Smoke is created when the smoker inhales through a pipe, drawing it into the lungs.

Health Risks of Shisha

• Comparison with Cigarettes:
  • Smoking shisha carries similar health risks as smoking cigarettes.
  • Myth debunked: Water at the bottom does not filter out toxins.
  • Shisha smoke is at least as toxic as cigarette smoke.
• Associated Diseases:
  • Oral cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Cancer of the esophagus
  • Reduced lung function
  • Reduced fertility

Shisha Smoking Session Risks

• Exposure Duration: An average session lasts about an hour.
• Smoke Inhalation:
  • One puff of shisha = smoke from one cigarette.
  • One hour session = 100 cigarettes.
• Tar and Carbon Monoxide:
  • 25 cigarettes worth of tar.
  • 11 cigarettes worth of carbon monoxide.

Secondhand Smoke Risks

• Non-smokers present are also at risk due to secondhand smoke.

Misconceptions and Myths

• Water Filtration Misconception: Water does not filter harmful chemicals from the smoke.
• Communal Use Concerns:
  • Shisha pipes are often communal.
  • Risk of spreading infections such as oral herpes.
• Health Impact:
  • Shisha use stiffens arteries, increasing the risk of artery clogs and heart disease.

Public Perception and Advice

• Shisha is often seen as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
• Important to spread awareness about the actual risks.

Support for Quitting

• NHS offers support and advice for quitting smoking, including shisha.

Conclusion

• Shisha is harmful; knowledge of the facts is crucial.
• Share information with friends and family.

Call to Action

• For more information, check out resources provided by health organizations.
• Encourage subscriptions to stay informed about new information and updates.

Note: Always prioritize health and be informed about the risks associated with shisha smoking.