This Myth About Hookahs Is Putting a Lot of People at Risk

While tobacco use among young adults is often contributed to teenage rebellion, the case with hookah might be a little different. A common myth is that hookahs are safer than cigarettes, and as a result, many people feel comfortable trying it out.

Hookah smoking may be legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. In fact, hookah smoking poses the same risks as cigarettes, and it’s not any safer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this video, learn some of the ways hookah smoking poses a risk to your health. If you need help quitting, don’t be afraid to find a support group, get tips from your doctor, or find resources from SmokeFree.gov.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

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