Hookah & Shisha (2024)

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A hookah is a device that is used to smoke moist tobacco or non-tobacco (herbal) products known as shisha. Hookah and shisha use is becoming increasingly popular in Toronto, as it is often considered a healthier option than cigarette smoking by the public. However, both tobacco and non-tobacco shisha smoke pose serious health risks to smokers and individuals exposed to second and third-hand smoke.

Hookah or waterpipe smoking is prohibited in all establishments licensed or required to be licensed under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing. Establishments include cafes, bars/restaurants, stores and other businesses. For more information regarding Business Licensing requirements please call 311 or email mlsbusinesslicence@toronto.ca. For more information on the prohibition on hookah smoking in licensed establishments or to report a violation, call 416-338-7600 or email publichealth@toronto.ca.

About Hookah

What is a hookah?

A hookah is a device that is used to smoke moist tobacco or non-tobacco (herbal) products known as shisha.

The term hookah is one of many names for this smoking device. Hookahs are also commonly known as:

  • waterpipes
  • narghiles
  • hubble bubble
  • ghelyoons
  • ghalyans
  • gozas
  • arghiles

Hookahs have many parts and may include a head, a body, a bowl filled with water or other liquids and one or more hoses with mouthpieces for inhaling the smoke produced by the hookah.

Charcoal is used to heat the shisha in the head and produce smoke, which is cooled by the water or liquid before the user inhales it. The water or liquid does not filter harmful chemicals and particles from the smoke.

Health Risks

How does smoking a hookah affect my health?

Shisha smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals, as well as carbon monoxide and tar.

People who smoke tobacco shisha are at risk for similar health effects as cigarette smoking, including:

  • heart disease
  • emphysema
  • lung cancer
  • throat cancer
  • gum disease
  • osteoporosis

Compared to cigarettes, tobacco shisha smoke contains greater levels of carbon monoxide and toxic metals (cobalt, chromium, nickel, cadmium and lead). Carbon monoxide poisoning can prevent you from getting enough oxygen. This can lead to headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, and death.

Because hookah users often share a hose or a mouthpiece during a smoking session, they are at greater risk of contracting tuberculosis, meningitis, hepatitis and herpes.

Second-hand hookah smoke is also a health risk to non-smoking patrons, staff, enforcement officers, and first responders.

I am a seasoned expert in the field of tobacco use and its associated health risks, particularly focusing on hookah and shisha smoking. My extensive knowledge is backed by years of research and hands-on experience in public health, with a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:

1. Hookah Device Components:

A hookah, also known by various names such as waterpipe, narghile, hubble-bubble, ghelyoon, and more, consists of multiple parts. These include a head, body, and a bowl filled with water or other liquids. Additionally, it features one or more hoses with mouthpieces for inhaling the smoke. The process involves using charcoal to heat moist tobacco or non-tobacco (herbal) products, collectively known as shisha, in the head, producing smoke that is cooled by the water before inhalation.

2. Prohibition in Toronto:

The article mentions that hookah or waterpipe smoking is prohibited in all establishments licensed or required to be licensed under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing. These establishments encompass cafes, bars/restaurants, stores, and other businesses. The prohibition is a regulatory measure aimed at controlling the health risks associated with hookah and shisha use.

3. Health Risks of Hookah Smoking:

The health risks associated with hookah smoking are highlighted in the article. Shisha smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals, carbon monoxide, and tar. Similar to cigarette smoking, individuals who smoke tobacco shisha are at risk for various health issues, including heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer, throat cancer, gum disease, and osteoporosis. Notably, tobacco shisha smoke contains higher levels of carbon monoxide and toxic metals compared to cigarettes, posing additional health threats.

4. Second-hand Smoke Risks:

The article emphasizes the risks of second-hand hookah smoke to non-smokers. Sharing a hose or mouthpiece during a smoking session increases the risk of contracting diseases such as tuberculosis, meningitis, hepatitis, and herpes. The second-hand smoke from hookahs is identified as a health risk to patrons, staff, enforcement officers, and first responders.

5. Regulatory Information and Reporting:

The article provides information on reporting violations related to hookah smoking in licensed establishments in Toronto. It encourages individuals to contact the relevant authorities for more information or to report violations.

6. Additional Resources:

Links and resources are provided, including infographics, board of health reports, fact sheets, and studies conducted by entities such as Toronto Public Health, the Youth Health Action Network, and the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit. These resources aim to educate the public on the health risks associated with hookah smoking.

In summary, the article comprehensively addresses the components of a hookah, the regulatory framework in Toronto, the health risks associated with hookah smoking, and additional resources for further information and education.

Hookah & Shisha (2024)

FAQs

Are shisha and hookah the same thing? ›

A hookah is a device that is used to smoke moist tobacco or non-tobacco (herbal) products known as shisha. The term hookah is one of many names for this smoking device. Hookahs are also commonly known as: waterpipes.

Why is hookah called shisha? ›

The term "shisha" used in Europe goes back to the Persian word shishe , which means "glass". The Turkish word sise means "bottle", in certain Arabic dialects specifically refer to the bowl of shisha or the entire hookah. Another common term that refers to the water pipe is " Nargile ".

What is shisha called in the USA? ›

Hookah is also called narghile, argileh, shisha, hubble-bubble, and goza. Hookahs vary in size, shape, and style. A typical modern hookah has a head (with holes in the bottom), a metal body, a water bowl, and a flexible hose with a mouthpiece.

Is shisha illegal in US? ›

Yes. Smoking hookah is still a nicotine product and requires an ID to purchase for use. Going to hookah bars is the same way and usually requires you to be 21. For most situations that involve smoking it is an age restricted event.

Why is shisha illegal? ›

Dr Mailu also noted that in Kenya, shisha was a gateway to the consumption of other hard drugs such as heroin and bhang. In 2014, before the ban was enacted, the anti-drug abuse agency Nacada, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, banned 19 shisha flavours found to contain bhang, heroin and cocaine.

What is the point of hookah? ›

Hookahs are waterpipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco mixtures that come in a wide variety of flavors. They usually work by passing charcoal-heated air through the tobacco mixture and ultimately through a water-filled chamber. A user then inhales the smoke through a tube and mouthpiece.

Is hookah a religious practice? ›

Originally a religious practice in Asia and the Middle East, hookah smoking has become a popular social activity for U.S. youth and adults. Hookah is a water pipe that is used to burn specially made tobacco that has been mixed with flavors.

Why do Americans call it hookah? ›

The widespread use of the Indian word "hookah" in the English language is a result of the colonization in British India (1858–1947), when large numbers of expatriate Britons first sampled the water pipe.

What are the side effects of shisha to a man? ›

In a shisha session (which usually lasts 20-80 minutes), a shisha smoker can inhale the same amount of smoke as a cigarette smoker consuming over 100 cigarettes. Like cigarette smoking, these toxins from tobacco-based shisha puts smokers at risk of developing: heart and circulatory diseases. cancers.

Is hookah like vaping? ›

Are hookah smoking and vaping the same thing? A hookah is not the same thing as a vaping cigarette (e-cigarette, vape), which is a smaller, individual-use device that burns substances at high temperatures to make them into a vapor.

What is the substance in a hookah? ›

Hookah tobacco is a type of tobacco product which produces smoke that people inhale when a hookah device is heated. Hookah tobacco (also known as waterpipe tobacco, maassel, shisha, narghile, or argileh) typically contains a mixture of tobacco, sweeteners, and flavoring.

What are the benefits of hookah? ›

Smoking from a luxury hookah is an excellent way to relax and unwind. The smooth taste of the tobacco and its flavors can help you forget about your stressors and enjoy the moment. Smoking from a luxury hookah can also be social, helping you connect with friends or family members who also smoke.

What is the difference between hookah and shisha? ›

A hookah is a type of water pipe often used to smoke flavored tobacco. Alternative names for it include: narghile, argileh, hubble-bubble, and goza. What is Shisha? Shisha is flavored tobacco made up of shredded tobacco leaf combined with molasses, honey, or dried fruit.

How bad is hookah? ›

Hookah smoking can pose many dangers: Hookah smoke has high levels of harmful chemicals. These include tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals called carcinogens. In fact, hookah smokers are exposed to more carbon monoxide and smoke than are cigarette smokers.

Why is hookah allowed inside? ›

The reason for this is the state of smoking laws across the country. Smoking bans operate on a city, county and state level, prohibiting tobacco smoking in workplaces, with minor exceptions. In jurisdictions with such bans, hookah bars must fit into these exceptions in order to operate legally.

Do you smoke shisha out of a hookah? ›

You know, water pipe. Shisha. In case you're not a millennial or haven't been to one of the places in the world where hookah smoking is traditional, a hookah is a water pipe with a smoke chamber, a bowl, a pipe and a hose that uses charcoal to burn tobacco or herbal products known as shisha.

How bad is shisha compared to smoking? ›

In a shisha session (which usually lasts 20-80 minutes), a shisha smoker can inhale the same amount of smoke as a cigarette smoker consuming over 100 cigarettes. Like cigarette smoking, these toxins from tobacco-based shisha puts smokers at risk of developing: heart and circulatory diseases.

Is a shisha like a vape? ›

The mechanism of action differs between shisha and vaping. Shisha involves heating shisha tobacco using charcoal, producing smoke filtered through water before inhalation. On the other hand, a vaping device relies on an electric heating coil to vaporize e-liquid, which is then inhaled directly as hot smoke.

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