The content of this article is not intended for persons under the age of 18 years old. The purpose of this article is to "clear the air" relative to some of the common misconceptions relative to hookah smoking and non-tobacco hookah products .

Hookahs have been around for centuries and although the use of tobacco was considered taboo, the use of the hookah first became increasingly popular among nobility and subsequently widely accepted. 

Misconceptions Relative to Hookah Smoking Being a Healthier Way to Smoke, Goes Back into History: 

It was the 1500's when ancient physicians first raised health concerns after smoking tobacco became popular among Indian noblemen, one physician in particular developed a system that allowed smoke to be passed through water in order to be 'purified'. Thus creating the Hookah. Even then it was a wide misconception that smoking a Hookah was a more purified method of smoking tobacco.

The fact is while the use of a water pipe does provide a more smooth and soothing draw, the Unites States Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers facts stating that "hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking". 

In the beginning, it was the perspective of society and/or religion which prohibited or made forbidden the activity of smoking.  As far back as 1602 Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur was one of the first authorities to prohibit smoking. Source Wikipedia (Religious views on Smoking).

On to modern times: although within the past 10 years more and more cities, counties, states and countries have implemented indoor smoking bans. In most jurisdictions, hookah businesses can be exempted from the policies through special permits. Some permits, however, have requirements such as enhanced ventilation systems and other restrictions.

In the State of Illinois, USA:  State law permits smoking in hookah lounges and retail tobacco stores as long as the businesses do not encompass a restaurant or liquor license and they get 80 percent of their revenue from the sale of tobacco or smoking-related products. Source: Chicago Tribune "Smoking laws snuff out local hookah lounges."

Misconceptions Relative to Non-tobacco Products Being Healthier Than Tobacco Hookah Products 

Though there are known health risks to smoking tobacco, many of us still find it therapeutic and relaxing to smoke. As we all strive for healthier smoking options, we have discovered non-tobacco Hookah Products on the market. These sweetened and flavored non-tobacco products are sold for use in hookahs. Often labels and advertisements for these products claim that users can enjoy the same taste without the harmful effects of tobacco. However, the CDC notes that studies of tobacco-based shisha and “herbal” shisha show that smoke from both preparations contain carbon monoxide and other toxic agents known to increase the risks for smoking-related cancers, heart disease, and lung disease. 

Though Premium Hookah Store does sell Hookah and Hookah smoking accessories, we do warn our customers of the risks of smoking. 

Hookah smoking is NOT a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, or any other type of tobacco. It is recommended by the CDC that all people who use tobacco, should quit all tobacco products to reduce health risks.

We recommend that you read the article provided on the CDC website to discover data sources for content conveyed in this article and to become fully aware of the health risks of smoking a hookah.