Hookah, vapes pose lung health risks, expert warns
Experts are calling for stronger regulation, public education and restrictions on where the products can be used.
A health expert has called for stronger regulation and warnings on hookah smoking and vapes products.
Pulmonologist Dr. Mahomed Seedat explains that although vaping is marketed as a lifestyle choice, it has been found to deliver concentrated nicotine vapour directly into the lungs more efficiently than cigarettes.
Lung health concerns
Seedat has warned that this can irritate the lungs, resulting in coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and discomfort.
“What would also be affecting the lungs would be that the little brushes that usually would clear infection become very inefficient in doing so, and therefore, the likelihood of you getting recurrent infections is much higher than people and individuals who wouldn't smoke or wouldn't be vaping or using the hookah.”
Calls for regulation
He says hookah pipes are also highly toxic, with a single session roughly equivalent to smoking 20 to 30 cigarettes.
“One of the problems that we are having is that there’s no legislation, as far as I know, about vaping and hookah smoking.
“People obviously think that it is harmless and therefore can be used in any public space or indoors.
“I do think that we need lots of public health education and perhaps even legislation similar to what we have regarding smoking, where it can only be used in certain designated areas.”
