Hookah fashion can be deadly

There is a growing trend of smoking the traditional hookah, which has made its way from centre-point of village gatherings to gracing plush joints in metros. But, this new trend could be deadly as many a cancer experts believe that the Indian youth are getting addicted to the hubble-bubble in the mistaken belief that it is a healthy alternative to cigarettes.

According to the Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2009-10, India accounts for over seven million hookah users among a total of 274.9 million tobacco users. While tobacco is the leading cause of cancer deaths in India, experts say hookah smokers are prone to lung cancer, oral cancer, heart diseases and respiratory disorders.

"Over the last two years, hookahs have penetrated urban space and gained enormous popularity among youngsters. Without knowing the harmful effects, youth are addicted to the hookah because of a fashion quotient associated with it," said Dhirendra N. Sinha, regional advisor, Surveillance (Tobacco Control) at the World Health Organisation (WHO), Southeast Asia.

Experts attribute the impressive return of the hookah to hookah parlours that have been positioned as 'hangout zones of the elite'. The Arab-lounge like ambience at such bars - dimly lit corners, reclining couch, soothing music and exotic flavours - have helped the hookah grip metropolitan residents.

While Bangalore, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana have banned hookah parlours under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prevention) Act 2003, Delhi is yet to take any action to curb hookah smoking or mushrooming hookah parlours.

Hookah or waterpipe smoking uses a technique where specially-made tobacco is heated, and the smoke passes through water to be drawn through a mouthpiece. Experts say the tobacco in a hookah pipe is no less toxic, and the water in the hookah does not filter out the toxic ingredients in the tobacco smoke.

Doctors who have treated such youth say that they recieve many cases where youth come to them with a myth that hookah is a safer alternative to tobacco. While the hookah may have a water base unlike cigarretes, it is no less harmful.

An evening spent at a popular hookah bar in south Delhi's Defence Colony makes the picture clear. Faint candlelight coupled with woodworked interiors, the bar is abuzz with the young and hip waiting for hookah sessions. Each session ranges from an hour to two hours.

On a couch tucked away in a corner sits a group passing the mouthpiece for their favourite flavour 'treasure trail' - an alcoholic hookah. For an hourly session starting at Rs.250, hookah or sheesha comes in different flavours mixed with bases of alcohol, juice or water.

But the hookah smokers seem oblivious to the harm while they sift through the menu card to try more "thrilling flavours". It is a preferred way to unwind after work, says 24-year old Asmita Marwah as she puffed away smoke from her fruity hookah.