British travellers abroad are being warned about the dangers of shisha smoking whilst on holiday, with one session being the equivalent to a staggering 100 cigarettes. Shisha smoking is seen as an important social activity with the most popular destinations in Turkey, Dubai, Egypt and Morocco.
The practice, which is commonplace in eastern Mediterranean countries, the Middle East, and northern Africa, involves smoking tobacco prepared in molasses and flavoured with fruit flavours through a water pipe. However, vape pod retailer Vape Club has warned about the dangers of shisha, or hookah, smoking which can lead to heart disease, cancers, and even carbon monoxide poisoning.
In a 2020 study of shisha smokers, most common 'hookah sickness' symptoms were dizziness, headache, and nausea. Loss of consciousness occurred in 43.6 per cent of patients. According to the NHS, shisha smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide.
Like cigarette smoking, these toxins from tobacco-based shisha puts smokers at risk of developing:
heart and circulatory diseases
cancers
respiratory infections and conditions
Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, said: “Smoking shisha whilst on holiday can be tempting as a sociable pastime with friends and family. However, the American Heart Association states that inhaling tobacco via waterpipes, for just half an hour, causes users to take in more carbon monoxide than smoking a cigarette.
“The association also found that inhaling shisha for up to an hour can expose users to around 200 times the amount of smoke they would inhale from a cigarette. Whilst the activity can be popular abroad, we’re warning holidaymakers enjoying the summer to be aware of the health risks associated with smoking shisha.
“For quitting smokers travelling abroad, I’d always recommend having a vaping device available for the occasions when temptation comes. Though always check the laws in the country you’re travelling to.”
