Effects of Sheesha Smoking on Health - Dissertation Example

There is a universal consensus on the dangers posed by tobacco in cigarettes. It has been established by many studies that cigarette smoking is indeed injurious to health. Cigarette smoking has been directly linked to many cases of lung cancer. Studies have shown cancerous diseases such as lung cancer is strongly linked to smoking cigarettes and causes around 87% of death worldwide (Parkin et al 2005). Therefore, it is not wrong to assume smoking tobacco-related diseases have reached an epidemic scale. The scale and the problems associated with smoking have always been noted in epidemiological research (Siegel, 2007). However, the social phenomenon of its severity has recently been highlighted due to several reasons, mainly due to an increase in mortality rates. Unfortunately, not all forms of tobacco smoking have been subjected to the same regulations (policies) and health campaigns as cigarette smoking. Unlike cigarette smokers, Shisha smokers are unaware of the ill effects of smoking Shisha. They opt for Shisha smoking as it is considered a harmless substance that enhances the tradition of social gatherings. Moreover, Shisha smoking does not have any limitations or regulations regarding age.

People who frequent Shisha venues should be aware of the consequences of smoking Shisha. The outlook that people have about Shisha smoking as a safe social event will change once they become more aware of the ill effects of Shisha. The frequent instances of minors below 18 years indulging in Shisha smoking might be a reflection of this lack of awareness. (Barton, Chassin, and Sherman, 1982). Furthermore smoking cigarettes outweighs the other forms of smoking by quite a large margin, which has also resulted in less concern and awareness towards other forms of smoking such as Shisha (Chaaya, 2004). According to the World Health Organization, the health risk associated with Shisha smoking is even worse than that of cigarettes, yet it is not adequately highlighted (WHO, 2005). This lack of acknowledgment from the authorities regarding the health hazard Shisha poses makes the case even worse. To date, there are no health warnings or regulations on Shisha, even though it presents dangerous implications. The lack of regulations or warnings reinstates the false idea Shisha smokers have about the effects of Shisha on health (Feng et al, 2007). A description of the Shisha is as follows: It consists of a vase filled with water, to which a vertical metal pipe that has a clay pot on top is attached. The tobacco substances are placed and burned with charcoal in the clay pot. The smoke is then filtered through water and inhaled through the hose.

A shisha is an ancient form of smoking tobacco. It was traditionally widely used in Africa and Asia (Chattopadhyay, 2000). It is increasingly evolving worldwide, especially in Europe and America. The factors that are contributing to this dramatic spread of Shisha might be the global integration and the myth and perception of Shisha being less harmful.
Contrary to this ancient traditional philosophy, Shisha contains numerous toxic substances and gases known to cause lung cancer and other health-related diseases (Sajid, and Akhter, 1993). For centuries, Shisha did not pose any health concerns in the countries where it was originally smoked and was almost a part of their tradition. It has always been considered a safe practice. The reasons behind this false belief might have been a lack of research and consumer knowledge (reference). This is also one of the main reasons for Shisha smokers to believe that it is safe (Borgerding et al, 2005; Lee and Forey, 2006). Though the rapid upsurge of Shisha in the UK, is not well known statistically the health consequences are apparent (Mohammad et al, 2008). The above discussion reveals the fact that Shisha smoking like any other form of smoking is hazardous and injurious to health and seeks immediate attention.

Smoking is defined as a global tobacco epidemic (WHO, 2007). Police and services have been implemented to reduce the magnitude of this crisis. Shisha smokers account for over 1.5 million daily smokers globally. Evidence on the prevalence and potential of diseases associated with Shisha are scarce and not well established in western societies, although there are thousands of Shisha smokers in the UK (Chaouachi, 2006). This information shed light on the fact that there is a substantial portion of the international population that indulges in Shisha smoking. Researches on the epidemiological and health effects of Shisha smoking are not very well established (Maziaket al, 2007). This anyhow does not state that there are no preliminary research findings, which highlight the health consequences of smoking Shishas.