Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors, such as apple, mint, cherry, chocolate, coconut, licorice, cappuccino, and watermelon. Although many users think it is less harmful, hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking.

What do you traditionally smoke in a hookah?

A hookah is a water pipe that is used to smoke sweetened and flavored tobacco. ... Hookah tobacco is often sweetened with molasses, fruit pulp, or honey, with additional flavors such as coconut, mint, or coffee. These flavorings sweeten the taste and aroma of the tobacco, making it especially appealing to young people.

Why is it OK to smoke hookah?

The tobacco is no less toxic in a hookah pipe than in a cigarette, and the water in the hookah does not filter out the toxic ingredients in the tobacco smoke. ... Hookah smoke poses dangers associated with secondhand smoke. Hookah smoking by pregnant women can result in low birth weight babies.