Stylish?

By now, we all know that smoking is bad for you. Every year on May 31st, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges us to observe World Tobacco Free Day. This year, the focus is on women. For too many years, we have been the focus of advertising trying to convince us that smoking is somehow sexy. It's time for us to wake up!

Smoking is not chic, no matter what the form. Many young women do realize that smoking cigarettes is dangerous, they fail to realize that hookahs are just as dangerous. Many people reason that hookah smoking is not as dangerous. A recent article by the Canadian Press, points out the dangers of hookahs. Smoking sessions with hookahs generally last for over an hour, with the smoke exposure being equal to 100-200 cigarettes! 

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Waterpipe smoke contains harmful constituents- nicotine, carbon monoxide, carcinogens. And it may contain greater amounts of tar and heavy metals, including cobalt, chromium and lead...Waterpipe use has in fact been linked to lung cancer, heart disease, infectious disease and pregnancy related complications. So that's a list that would certainly raise my anxiety.

The smoother smoke experienced with hookahs is a result of the moisture content. The water provides moisture, but does not effectively filter out toxins! Unfortunately, myths about hookahs spur their widespread use.