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.
Links and Resources
Toronto Public Health
- Clearing the Smoke – Infographic for Youth
- Health Risks of Indoor Waterpipe Smoking – Board of Health Report
- Hookah Fact Sheet
- Youth Health Action Network
Ontario Tobacco Research Unit
Other Resources
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.