Rise in Shisha Smokers Ignoring the Risks
Shisha’s popularity wrongly reflects sustainability, ignoring health and environmental impacts
New research shows a decrease in cigarette use and an increase in shisha consumption in the USA, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq over the past year.
Research on tobacco-based and "herbal" shisha has indicated that the smoke emanating from both types of shisha contains carbon monoxide and various other toxic agents. These harmful agents have been identified as potential catalysts for a range of smoking-related illnesses, including but not limited to cancers, heart disease, and lung disease. As such, the use of shisha, irrespective of its composition, presents a significant risk to human health.
Based on the most recent research by AIR Global in the markets of the USA, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq, cigarette smoking has decreased by 21 per cent. This decline indicates a shift in consumer preferences towards alternative options, with shisha being particularly popular. The growing demand for shisha can be attributed to a desire for more innovative and cleaner products. Yet, there remains some uncertainty regarding whether shisha is a cleaner choice.
Recent research conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that smokers inhale half a litre of smoke per cigarette. In contrast, shisha smoke can contain as little as one-sixth of a litre or as much as one litre of smoke per inhalation.
OOKA, launched by AIR Global last year, is an innovative shisha device that uses pods and does not require charcoal. It is the first of its kind in the world and has been shown to reduce carbon monoxide production by 94%. Reducing harmful chemicals makes it a safer product for users and the environment. Since its launch in the UAE in May 2023, OOKA has been an enormous success. The first devices sold out in less than a month, and sales have continued to exceed expectations. This shows a strong demand for this revolutionary product among consumers.
In the meantime, researchers from the Department of Health in London and the Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre have discovered that smoking one session of shisha leads to a spike in carbon monoxide levels that is at least four times higher than the amount produced by smoking just one cigarette.
Ronan Barry, Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at AIR Global, added: "We're seeing a massive surge in the popularity of shisha, and a vital part of this growth is down to people wanting to enjoy cleaner, pleasant experiences. We're also seeing a heightened awareness of eco-conscious choices among consumers, underscoring the evolving landscape of inhalation preferences. Shisha is the emerging frontrunner in meeting these demands of a more health-conscious and environmentally aware global population." But another question arises: Is it eco-friendly or not?
Shisha smoke can cause heart and lung diseases due to poor air quality. A study on indoor air quality at hookah establishments in Toronto revealed that both customers and workers were exposed to harmful air pollution, including high levels of carbon monoxide.