'Cool' hookah being banned by Karnataka: Serious health issues it can cause

Karnataka government has banned hookah citing 'public health and safety'. StateHealth Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao took to social media to inform the public about the decision. This decisive action is backed by alarming data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2016-17 (GATS-2), which states that 22.8 per cent of adults in Karnataka use tobacco, with 8.8 per cent being smokers.

"Statewide Ban on Hookah to Protect Public Health and Youth Given the serious health risks associated with hookah smoking, we have taken decisive action by banning hookah smoking across the state. In light of this concern, we are implementing a ban on hookah smoking in Karnataka by amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Our government is working to build a safer and healthier environment for our future generations," the health minister has tweeted on X (formerly Twitter).

This traditional method of smoking is as harmful as cigarette

Hookah, also known as shisha or waterpipe, is a traditional method of smoking tobacco that has gained popularity worldwide, particularly among young adults. While some individuals perceive hookah smoking as less harmful than cigarette smoking, it poses significant health risks and can have adverse effects on the body.

Hookah smoking involves inhaling smoke through a waterpipe, which exposes the lungs to harmful toxins and irritants. The smoke contains numerous carcinogens, tar, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals that can damage lung tissue and lead to respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.

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Hookah smoke contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Regular hookah smoking can contribute to nicotine addiction, making it challenging to quit and increasing the risk of continued tobacco use.



Hookah smoking can have adverse effects on cardiovascular health, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and reduced oxygen supply to tissues. Prolonged exposure to hookah smoke can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

It also raises the risk of secondhand smoke

Hookah smoking not only poses risks to the smoker but also exposes bystanders to secondhand smoke. As per the WHO report 23.9 per cent of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke in public places. Non-smokers exposed to hookah smoke may inhale toxic chemicals and carcinogens, putting them at risk of respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Chronic hookah smoking or exposure to the smokes can impair lung function and reduce respiratory capacity over time. Prolonged exposure to hookah smoke may lead to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and decreased exercise tolerance.