What is Shisha?

Story:Emma Msigiti

The water pipe is used for smoking tobacco, and is known under various names including shisha, hookah and hubble-bubble pipe.

Used in the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia for hundreds of years, in recent years, it has seen an upsurge in popularity. Shisha lounges have become popular places to socialise with friends, particularly amongst young people, with some parents believing it to be a safe activity.

In my role as Burngreave’s stop-smoking worker, I have spoken to people who regularly smoke shisha. Many have been totally unaware of any health risks associated with it. A common misconception is that water will filter out any toxins. The shisha tobacco used is often flavoured with fruit or sugar syrup which gives the illusion it is less harmful.

In reality, the smoke contains high levels of toxic compounds, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals. This not only affects the smoker, but also those around them who inhale second-hand smoke.

The truth about Shisha!

In a shisha session of 60 minutes, a smoker can inhale as much smoke as from 100 cigarettes Even after it has passed through water, the smoke contains high levels of toxic chemicals including carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals.

Many of these chemicals are known to cause mouth and lung cancers, heart disease, respiratory and other diseases Young children, pregnant women and the foetus are particularly vulnerable when exposed to second-hand smoke from shisha, if used in the home environment.

Sharing the mouth-piece can risk the spread of diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis.

Any form of tobacco use poses a risk to health. If you want help to stop using tobacco, or would like any further information then please contact

Emma Msigiti, Burngreave Community Stop Smoking Worker by texting QUIT to 07847 893 134 or leaving a message at The Furnival on 0114 272 7497.