Feminist Theory and Communication

Ever since the 1960s, when cigarettes were deemed unhealthy, there has been a constant effort to educate people on the tragic effects of smoking. It seems that one cannot go a day without hearing about how cigarettes are harmful. Some people are even victims of second-hand smoke on a daily basis. To some, the constant reminder that cigarettes are bad is a nuisance. To others, it can be a helpful way to prevent them from smoking. However, commercials and warning labels are not enough to protect and educate people about the dangers.

Hookah: Not a Safer Alternative

Many teens argue that they smoke hookah because they believe it is safer than smoking cigarettes or marijuana. Unfortunately, this belief is wrong. Smoking hookah is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than smoking cigarettes.

Health Risks of Hookah

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (Source A):

• The smoke from a water pipe contains toxins that cause lung cancer, mouth cancer, heart disease, and emphysema.
• Hookah smokers inhale more deeply and for longer periods than typical cigarette smokers.
• A single hookah session can be equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes or more.

Nicotine in Hookah: Just as Addictive

In addition to smoke, teens who inhale hookah are also exposed to nicotine, the highly addictive chemical found in cigarettes. Many believe they can avoid nicotine by smoking hookah, but this is not the case.

Nicotine in Hookah

According to the Mayo Clinic (Source B):

• Hookah smoking contains about the same amount of nicotine as cigarettes.
• Hookah smokers are at the same risk for tobacco dependence as cigarette smokers.

Social Acceptance of Hookah

So why do teens choose hookah over cigarettes if both are equally dangerous? The answer lies in social acceptance. Today, smoking cigarettes is becoming increasingly banned in public places like beaches and restaurants, leaving smokers confined to their homes. On the other hand, hookah smoking is seen as a social activity, often enjoyed in groups.

Hookah's Appeal to Teens

• Hookah smoking is perceived as more social and fun compared to cigarette smoking.
• Candy-flavored hookah tobacco attracts younger users.
• Myths about hookah being safer than cigarettes add to its appeal.

However, the law still applies. Tobacco products, including flavored tobacco used in hookah pipes, cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18. Those who violate these laws could face fines of up to R100 000.00 (Source D). Despite this, many of these laws are misunderstood or ignored, putting young smokers at legal risk.

Conclusion: Hookah Is Not a Safe Choice

Whether teens smoke hookah because they think it is safe, legal, or more socially acceptable, they are making a poor decision. Smoking hookah is just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes. Teens may think they look cool while doing it, but they need to consider the serious health risks involved.

Parents must take responsibility and talk to their kids about the dangers of all forms of smoking, including hookah. Skipping over a drug as seemingly harmless as hookah is not worth the risk of losing a child to addiction.