Hookah smoke contains high levels
of toxic compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). In fact, hookah smokers are exposed to more carbon monoxide and smoke than are cigarette smokers.
As with cigarette smoking, hookah smoking is linked to lung and oral cancers, heart disease, and other serious illnesses.
Hookah smoking delivers about the same amount of nicotine as cigarette smoking, possibly leading to tobacco dependence.