Hookah Water Pipes - Can They Cause Cancer?

Hookah smoking hails from the Middle East. A hookah is a water pipe, in which flavored tobacco is inhaled through a hose. The tobacco is called shisha, and comes in many fruitlike flavors.

Hookah smoking has become popular in the West in the past few years. Hookah bars and lounges can be found in many cities. Thankfully, these hookah bars are subject to many states' indoor smoking ban policies.

Hookah water pipes are not safe to smoke. The water does not filter out all the toxins, and the nicotine is addictive. Several types of cancer and gum disease have been linked to hookah smoking.

Hookah may be only a social activity, however, the addiction to nicotine can increase the risk of cigarette smoking.

_{American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org}