In 2011 , a group of researchers conducted a study using the sampling method to test the carbon monoxide levels in hookah bars . The comparison is made between participants of 173 hookah bars and 198 participants of traditional bars where conventional smoking is consumed . A false perception exists regarding the consumption of hookah , or waterpipes that is safer than tobacco cigarettes in terms of nicotine . However , the reality is that hookah ’ s CO levels is significantly great than that of the tobacco cigarettes . Certain parameters have been set as a ground for comparison . Hookah users are 3.46 times more susceptible to CO levels than the ones in traditional bars . For those customers who have no smoked cigarettes for the past one month , suffer 3.2 times more from the CO levels when they enter the hookah bar in comparison to entering a traditional bar . Upon exiting , the current smokers produce 2.7 times more CO coming out of a hookah bar compared to the ones coming out from a traditional bar . These figures have been tested and analyzed consistently disregarding the user ’ s perception of the health risks of hookah compared to cigarettes ( Barnett et al . 2011 ). The smoking of hookah , waterpipes or narghile has gained worldwide recognition and is consumed quite widely across Asia and the Middle East , the main reason is that it has integrated with the culture . However , because of the widespread aspect of this particular smoking tool , there is not much of a standard in terms of its production . The special tobacco for the hookah is called the ‘ moassel ’. Moassel consists of sugarcane molasses , spices , dehydrated fruits and certain flavors or essences . The high health risk factor of the hookah is due to the high concentrations of natural radionuclides , which are present in the tobacco mix . Khater et al . ( 2008 ) called for an urgent need for further and detailed studies on the levels of radionuclides and to standardize the production of the moassel , which can reduce the toxicity levels .
Another study conducted by a group of researchers from the American University of Beirut emphasized on the importance of carrying further research and analysis for understanding the high and destructive levels of carcinogenic chemicals that are more fatal than simply the carbon monoxide . Due to the heightened demand of the hookahs or waterpipes , especially in public areas including the indoor and outdoor , there is an urgent demand to restrict the number of people being exposed to the mainstream smoke . Health effects beyond respiratory difficulties have been found present in the groups of people who are constantly exposed to such smokes , such as the hematological , effects on the reproductive system , and the cardiovascular ( Fakhreddine et al . 2014 ). In Figure 2 , the list below shows different health factors that are in great risk due to the waterpipe mainstream smoke .
824 ZEMCH 2015 | International Conference | Bari - Lecce , Italy