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Shisha
Shisha, also known as hookah, narghile, or waterpipe, involves smoking flavoured tobacco through a water-based apparatus. While it may seem like a harmless social activity, shisha smoking carries significant health risks that are often misunderstood.
What's The Issue?
Misconceptions About Safety
Many believe that shisha smoking is safer than cigarettes due to the water filtration and fruity flavours. However, this is a misconception. The smoke from shisha contains harmful toxins, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens, which are detrimental to health.
Rising Popularity Among Young People
In Wales, shisha smoking is gaining popularity, especially among young adults and university students. This trend is concerning, as it may lead to increased tobacco addiction and related health issues.
Lack of Regulation and Awareness
Shisha products often lack proper health warnings and content information, leading to a false sense of security among users. The social nature of shisha smoking also means that individuals may consume large amounts of smoke over extended periods, increasing exposure to harmful substances.
Why It Matters?
Health Risks
Respiratory Issues: Shisha smokers are at risk of developing chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, and other respiratory conditions.
Infectious Diseases: Sharing mouthpieces can transmit infections such as herpes, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.
Addiction: The nicotine content in shisha can lead to dependence, making it difficult for users to quit.
Impact on Non Smokers
Second-hand smoke from shisha poses health risks to non-smokers, including children and pregnant women, who may be present in shisha cafes or homes where shisha is smoked.
Social and Economic Costs
The normalisation of shisha smoking can lead to increased healthcare costs and perpetuate health inequalities, particularly in communities where smoking rates are already high.
How You Can Help
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the risks associated with shisha smoking and share this information with friends, family, and your community.
Support Smoke-Free Environments: Advocate for smoke-free policies in public places, including shisha cafes, to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke.
Seek Support to Quit: If you or someone you know is trying to quit shisha smoking, reach out to Help Me Quit.
Engage with Policy Initiatives: Participate in public consultations and support policies aimed at regulating shisha smoking and protecting public health.
Key Stats
- A typical one-hour shisha session can expose smokers to similar levels of toxins as smoking over 100 cigarettes.
- Shisha smoking is particularly popular among young adults, with many unaware of the associated health risks.
- Many shisha users mistakenly believe that it is less harmful than cigarette smoking due to the water filtration process.
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NHS: Risks of Shisha Smoking
Learn about the dangers of shisha smoking, including its health risks and the common misconceptions surrounding its safety.
Shisha: What You Need to Know – British Heart Foundation
Learn about the dangers of shisha smoking, including its impact on your heart health. The British Heart Foundation debunks common myths and provides practical advice on quitting.
Waterpipes or Shisha: Just the Facts – Health for Teens
A straightforward guide for teens on what shisha smoking really entails. This resource explains the health risks and dispels misconceptions in an accessible and engaging way.
Harm Reduction Information: Shisha and Hookah – Substance Misuse Resources
Explore harm reduction strategies related to shisha use. This site provides evidence-based information to support healthier choices for users.
Shisha, Chewing Tobacco, Betel, Paan, and Other Tobacco – Cancer Research UK
Discover how shisha smoking is linked to cancer risks. Cancer Research UK highlights the harmful effects of smoking shisha and compares its risks to smoking cigarettes, providing critical insights for users.
Support Our Work
Your support helps us create impactful campaigns and provide free resources to schools and communities across Wales. Every donation brings us closer to a smoke-free generation.
