That shoots down the belief that the water in the Hookah base filters out all the toxins. In fact, it is unclear whether the water does anything other than humidify and cool the smoke, likely making it more tolerable. Unfortunately, that may lead hookah smokers to breathe the smoke deeper and longer, greatly increasing the harmful effect of tobacco smoke.

Hookah Bars and Smoking Bans

Hookah bars have managed to escape through legal loopholes in many states because they don't serve alcohol or food. Many states allow for smoking in public places where a certain percentage of the revenue comes from smoking. In Illinois, 80% of revenue and 90% of the floor space of the business must be connected with tobacco smoking to be legal. Our young teenagers may be highly attracted to these bars without fear of being turned away because of their age.

To sum up, Hookah smoking, like cigarettes, increases the risk of lung cancer, oral cancer, emphysema, heart and blood vessel disease. People that have asthma should steer clear of Hookah bars and avoid any unnecessary exposure to tobacco smoke of any form.

Do you know any Hookah smokers?

Are there any Hookah bars in your community?