Existing evidence shows that smoking waterpipes carries many of the same health risks and has been linked to the same diseases caused by cigarette smoking.
Smoke from waterpipes contains many toxic substances known to cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. These toxic substances include nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar and heavy metals.1
The Canadian Lung Association is calling for:
- A ban on waterpipe use.
- Tobacco legislation to include waterpipes. This includes all municipal, provincial and federal tobacco legislation.
- Until a waterpipe ban is put in place, waterpipe tobacco products should be packaged in accordance to Canadian tobacco law.
- More public education on the health risks of waterpipe smoking.
- More research into the health effects of waterpipe use.
References:
- World Health Organization. Waterpipe tobacco use. http://www.emro.who.int/health-topics/tobacco/waterpipe-tobacco-use.html (accessed September 2012).