O hookah it is definitely in fashion and fell in Brazilian tastes. Also known as a water pipe, the hookah originated in India and is currently used by more than 100 million people across the planet. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), only in our country, at least 212 thousand people smoke narghile.
→ How does the hookah work?
The hookah has a central reservoir that resembles a vase, where pure water or water associated with another liquid is deposited. Connected to this reservoir is the bowl, where the tobacco is placed. Above the tobacco is placed a screen that will hold a burning charcoal that will be used to light the pipe. In the upper portion of the hookah, there is a hose, through which the smoke is inhaled. At the end of this hose, there is a cigarette holder.
The hookah's working mechanism is quite simple. Initially, the red-hot charcoal heats the tobacco, producing smoke. This smoke heads towards the base, where it will be cooled by water. The cooled smoke then flows into the hose until it reaches the user's mouth.
→ What are the harmful effects of hookah?
Despite what many people think, the damage resulting from the use of the hookah is great and is no less dangerous than the damage resulting from the use of the hookah. cigarette. This means that people who use this famous pipe can develop diseases cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, dependence, impotence and the development of cancers, such as lung and mouth.
A study published in Public Health Reports in 2016, entitled "Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Inhaled Toxicants from Waterpipe and Cigarette Smoking", proved that the use of the hookah exposes a person to much higher levels of toxic substances than cigarettes. According to the study, a hookah session exposes a person about 2.5 times more to nicotine than a cigarette.
The fact is that people who use the hookah use the pipe relatively less often than smokers use the cigarette. However, in one session, which can last up to an hour, a person inhales smoke corresponding to approximately 100 cigarettes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
It is also worth noting that the charcoal used to light the hookah also causes smoke, increasing the amount of toxic substances to which a person is exposed. In addition, many doctors warn of other problems arising from the use of the hookah. As the cigarette holder is usually shared with several people, the risk of contracting contagious diseases such as herpes and tuberculosis is increased.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/riscos-uso-narguile.htm
