Shisha 10 times dangerous than cigarette smoking, says expert
Shisha (hookah smoking), a common pastime in Qatar, is more dangerous than cigarette smoking, says a senior health expert.
One session of shisha smoking is known to have harmful effects equivalent to or higher than smoking 20 cigarettes, said Dr Ahmed Al Mulla, Consultant Physician and Head of Smoking Cessation Clinic at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
“Unfortunately many people think that shisha is less dangerous. But it can be 10 times harmful than cigarettes,” he told a press conference.
While cigarettes have filters to moderate the smoke, shisha smoke passes directly into the mouth, throat and lungs.
To find accurate health effects of shisha, HMC and American University in Beirut are conducting a clinical study.
People are invited to take part in the study on shisha smokers in Qatar to examine adverse effects of tobacco use on heart, blood vessels and the respiratory system.
People smoking shisha daily for 10 years or more, have never smoked cigarettes, are 40 and above and do not have lung disease, diabetes or kidney failure will be tested.
The study aims at examining around 200 people. So far the research team has gone to coffee shops and selected people for the study.
According to statistics, some 37 percent of those aged 15 and above in Qatar smoke, and 95 percent of them are men. Some 15 percent of schoolchildren in grade seven — boys and girls — aged 12 and above also smoke.
Qatar doesn’t have specific data on shisha smokers.
“Although we know that the prevalence of shisha smoking is high, we don’t know the exact numbers, because the data we have includes shisha, cigarette and use of tobacco,” said Dr Al Mulla.
“Next year we will start another study to find the number of people who smoke shisha,” he added.
The research team in Qatar and Lebanon include Dr Al Mulla, Dr Ahmed Al Mohamed and Dr Muna Al Lingawi, HMC Thoracic Consultants Dr Reem Al Kuwari, X-ray Consultant in Heart Hospital and field researchers Marwa Al Adawi and Dr Ahmed Hassouna in addition to a research team of nurses and technicians at the pulmonary lab.
Those interested in participating in the study can call Dr Al Mulla on 4439 2778, or Research Assistant Marwa on 44390637 or 50160391.
The three-year study, which began in April 2013, is funded by Qatar National Research Fund.
Source: The Peninsula | Video: Jemina Legaspi
