A hookah is a waterpipe (also known as narghile or shisha) used to smoke flavoured tobacco. It is estimated that the hookah is used daily by more than 100 million people globally.1 Further, hookah smoking appears to be increasing both worldwide and in the USA.2–5
A limited number of studies suggest that health risks associated with hookah smoking are similar to those of cigarette smoking.6 7 A single session of hookah smoking can last 30–60 min, with over 100 inhalations.8 9 Despite data demonstrating potential health risks, smokers perceive hookah use as less harmful than cigarettes10 because of its sweet smell and taste, and the belief that water ‘filters’ the smoke, reducing toxicant exposure5 11 12 and is, therefore, less addictive than cigarettes.5 Moreover,…