Is smoking flavoured (non tobacco) hucka/sheesha harmful?

Dr. Saul PereiraPsychologist46yrs exp

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A recent finding from Columbia University states: ?Hookah smoking has its own demon ?? combusted charcoal ?? which carries health risks even when non-tobacco shisha is used. When charcoal is burned to create the hookah effect, it releases chemicals in the process, namely carbon monoxide (CO) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In addition to inhaling by-products of the shisha, water pipe smokers also inhale fairly large quantities of these combustion-related toxins ?? a hidden health risk associated with hookah smoking, even for non-tobacco shisha. One recent study found that in a typical hookah smoking session, participants inhaled more carbon monoxide than someone who smokes a pack or more a day of conventional cigarettes. While it is true that you aren't inhaling tobacco smoke, the sustained burning of the charcoal carries the risk of extended exposure to CO and PAH. Even at low levels of exposure, both CO and PAH have corrosive and carcinogenic [i. E. Cancer-causing] properties.?� 

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