Second Hand Hookah

Smoking hookah (shisha) pipes is often perceived as a healthier alternative to cigarettes due to the sweet taste. However these water pipes are even more toxic - even for bystanders. A study found that those in hookah bars who did not actually smoke the pipes still inhaled enough toxins to give them carbon monoxide levels of a cigarette smoker. "Just one night at one of these bars can be the equivalent of inhaling an entire pack of cigarettes" - says Richard D. Hurt - director of the Nicotine Dependence Center at the Mayo Clinic.