Hookah more toxic than other forms of smoking tobacco: Study
New York, Aug 13: While the popularity of hookah (tobacco pipe) has increased in recent years, researchers say it may be more dangerous than other forms of smoking tobacco.
Using a custom-built testing device, the researchers analysed emissions during a typical hookah session and found that one draw from a pipe contained as many noxious substances as a cigarette.
Hookah mainstream smoke, which is directly inhaled, has many toxic and harmful chemicals, like nicotine that can lead to tobacco addiction, irritating carbonyl compounds, and benzine, a known carcinogen,” said study lead author Veronique Perraud from University of California.
“Due to the greater volume inhaled in every puff and the longer duration of a smoking session, the hookah often delivers a higher dose of those chemicals to the smoker,” Perraud said.
It also produced large quantity of carbon monoxide, mainly from the burning of charcoal to heat the tobacco or herbal mixture in its bowl. The study, published in journal Aerosol Science and Technology, also referred to several cases of carbon monoxide intoxication.
In addition to testing ordinary tobacco, the group also studied a nicotine-free herbal mixture, marketed as a healthier alternative, and discovered that it produced even higher levels of toxic gases.
The study is the first to characterise ultra-fine particles (with a diameter smaller than 100 nanometers) in the inhaled smoke.
The researchers measured the chemical composition of gases and solids emitted during a hookah session in real time. “Through our technique of testing emissions in the beginning, midpoint and end of a smoking session, we were able to show that a smoker is exposed to a higher quantity of ultra-fine particles during the first 10 minutes compared with the rest of the session,” she said.
According to the study, these miniscule particles can pose significant health risks by making their way deep into the pulmonary system and by readily crossing the blood-brain barrier.
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Kolkata: Aliah University student found dead in hostel
Kolkata (PTI): A student of the state-run Aliah University in New Town near Kolkata was found dead in his hostel room, police said on Tuesday.
The body of Abdul Rahman (24), a resident of Malda, was found hanging from the ceiling in his hostel room around 7 pm on Monday, they said.
Rahman's classmates found the body when they entered his room after getting no response to repeated knocks on the doors. They then informed the police.
Officers of the Techno City police station went to the spot and sent the body to hospital for post-mortem examination, an official said.
An investigation has been started, they said, adding that the exact cause of the death will be known after the post-morterm examination.
