an article ...u may find it helpful
Hazards of Shisha
The use of shisha is rapidly increasing in Pakistan despite its harmful effects on health. The shisha smoker may inhale as much smoke during one session as a cigarette smoker would inhale consuming 100 or more cigarettes
The use of 'shisha' also known as hookah or water pipe is rapidly increasing in the major cities of Pakistan. Infact, it has become a fashion to have shisha at parties or restaurants nowadays. Unfortunately, most people who use shisha are not aware of its harmful effects. Most restaurant owners tell their customers that it is merely flavoured smoke and that there is no tobacco in it.
However, the recently released report by World Health Organisation (WHO) on the health consequences of shisha use has proved to be an eye-opener. A commonly held belief is that shisha is harmless because the smoke first passes through water before it is inhaled. The shisha smoker may inhale as much smoke during one session as a cigarette smoker would inhale consuming 100 or more cigarettes. Even after it has passed through water, the smoke produced by a shisha contains a high level of toxins, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals and other carcinogens.
A similar hazard is posed to other people who are not directly using shisha by means of passive smoking. It is indeed sad that inspite of an ordinance in place, which bans smoking in public places many restaurants; offer shisha to their customers. Tobacco used in these water pipes is often sweetened and flavoured, making it very appealing to children and teenagers. A survey done on youngsters of school-going age in Karachi recently showed that almost 70 percent had tried shisha in the past six months, and this included children as young as seven.
Many of the commercially available packets, which are used for shisha smoking, have misleading labels such as 0.5 percent nicotine and zero tar. WHO in its report has strongly recommended that healthcare professionals educate the public about the potential dangers of shisha use. Moreover, the sharing of shisha between people poses an additional risk of TB, herpes, flu, meningitis and hepatitis transmission.
The Ministry of Health should not only ban shisha use in the restaurants but also take other practical steps for the full implementation of the 'Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002' in the country.
Professor Javaid Khan.
Consultant chest physician at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
