Health and Wellness

Where There's Smoke

The centuries-old tradition of smoking from a hookah, or waterpipe, is widely thought to be less harmful and addictive than smoking cigarettes or other forms of tobacco. Yet a number of studies suggest that hookah smoking may be just as addictive and perhaps even more harmful, reports the Harvard Mental Health Letter. Researchers have found that hookah smokers inhale more often and for longer periods than typical cigarette smokers. Scientists estimate that by puffing longer and in greater volume, a waterpipe smoker inhales the equivalent of 100 cigarettes or more during a single waterpipe session.

Used with permission from www.health-eheadlines.com, © 2008 Write On, Inc.

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