I cannot see nor hear clearly as I try to ask my friend sitting across the table what classes she is taking this semester. As unusual as this situation may sound, this experience is not uncommon at the local “hot spot” hookah lounges in Turlock. Music blasting and smoke sessions in full swing, I wonder what this deliciously flavored product known as hookah, is all about.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the smoke of tobacco in hookahs is at least as toxic as cigarette smoke. For those new to this world as I first was, hookah is the water pipe device used to smoke specially made tobacco.
That alarming information is enough to at least make me reconsider how to spend my Friday night. Hookah smokers may also absorb more of the toxic substances found in cigarette smokers than actual cigarette smokers.
Just one hour long session of smoking hookah involves an average of two hundred puffs while smoking a cigarette involves an average of twenty. And to think flavors like “Gummy Bear” and “Chocolate Mint” could be anything but harmless.
The tempo of the music in the lounge has changed from relaxing, chill melodies to more upbeat “EDM” style songs. I try to tune out the music and block the thoughts of hookah being worse for me that I thought. I fail.
Do I consider this small step towards gonzo-esque style journalism a personal sacrifice? Heck no. I will be the first to admit that I enjoy the hookah lounge experience of hanging out with friends, listening to music and attempting to hold extensive conversations. I just decided to thoroughly consider putting my health above all else.
Charcoal used to heat the tobacco can raise health risks by producing high levels of carbon monoxide, metals and carbon causing chemicals. The toxic agents in hookah tobacco and smoke are known to cause lung, bladder and oral cancers. When my friend shouts over the blaring beats of Justin Bieber’s “Where Are U Now” if I want another hookah flavor, I hesitantly decline.
With two conveniently located hookah lounges in town, I understand why college students would choose to spend their time there. However, I find this a poor excuse to knowingly cause harm to our robust bodies.
I challenge each and every one of us to find alternate hang out spots. My new hang out spot is Applebee’s in Turlock because that is where I discovered my adoration for Long Island Iced Tea.
Yes, alcohol comes with its own set of health issues too. By no means am I judging the activities my fellow college peeps choose to involve themselves with. But, it is better to understand the potential health risks before and not after it is too late to say I wish I would have known.
Even after writing this article, I am unsure if I have completely detached myself from the part of me that enjoys going to the hookah lounge minus the actual hookah product.
Maybe if a Long Island Iced Tea flavored hookah was created, I would be the first in line. Who knows? By understanding these facts about hookah, you can decide for yourself whether to inhale and exhale or just simply exhale this trending, hot product.