Health

Trendy Hookah Lounges Have Hidden Risks

Experts Say Risks Of Tobacco And Second Hand Smoke From Ancient Method Of Smoking Are Tremendous

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CHICAGO (CBS) ― Hookah is one of those things that you have likely never heard of unless you know its history, or happen to be part of the trend.

It is an ancient way of smoking tobacco that is fast gaining new popularity in Chicago. As CBS 2 Medical Editor Mary Ann Childers reports, the unmistakable gurgle of the pipe marks a trend that is a great concern to health officials.

It was invented 500 years ago in India. And today, hookah smoking is growing in popularity with a young, hip crowd.

"When most people try hookah for the first time the expression on their face is pretty priceless. Then they're like wow that was really delicious," said John Coakley of Guess Hookah.

In the past few years at least 30 new hookah bars and lounges have opened up across the Chicago area.

"Hookahs are generally calming, pleasant," said hookah smoker Stacey Williams. "It's a relaxing atmosphere. It's just chill."

In a hookah, burning charcoal heats flavored tobacco which is cooled by a water pot before inhaling.

"It's no where near as harsh as a cigarette or as a cigar," said Gabriel Alvarez of Samah Hookah Lounge.

But health experts say it is actually much more dangerous.

"Smoking hookah for one hour is the equivalent of smoking 100 cigarettes," said Joel Africk of the American Lung Association.

The Lung Association says hookah smokers not only inhale lots of tar and carcinogens, but have intense exposure to second hand smoke.

Hookah aficionados argue that it's worth the risk.

"Smoking in general has health concerns," said Mark Heinzel of Sigara. "I think anybody that would chose to smoke you know should be aware of that."

But the Lung Association, which is fighting exemptions for hookah lounges under smoke-free Illinois legislation, worries the exotic appeal of the hookah is enticing new people to smoke who might not otherwise.

"It bothers us because of its appeal to kids and because of its appeal to college students," Africk said. "We want to get the facts out so people don't accept the myths and they understand just how dangerous this habit is."

Some say hookah lounges are just a fad -- like the cigar bars of the 1990s. But when Chicago's smoking ban goes into effect next year, some of those establishments might be in trouble.

In order to be exempt, clubs must show that at least 60 percent of their business comes from selling tobacco.

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