Medical experts in the United Arab Emirates are cautioning the public about the health risks associated with shisha consumption. During a recent health conference, Dr. Mohammed Fawzi Katranji, a specialist in pulmonology, explained that a single hour of waterpipe smoking can expose a person to the same amount of toxins as approximately forty cigarettes. A significant hurdle for healthcare providers is that many regular shisha users do not categorize themselves as smokers when providing their medical history. This misconception often leads to patients underreporting their tobacco intake during consultations. Doctors emphasize that despite its social appeal, shisha should not be viewed as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking. The warnings were shared during an event focused on tobacco cessation strategies, highlighting the need for better awareness regarding the intensity of nicotine and chemical exposure from waterpipes.
Source : Khaleej Times
Photo : Khaleej Times
