News

Hookah smoking can cause cancer

Russian Ministry of Healthcare has issued a warning that hookahs can provoke cancer. As a preventive measure, officials suggest also banning the use of tobacco-free hookahs in restaurants and cafes.

According to the Ministry representatives, the use of non-tobacco hookahs generates additional risks of infectious diseases. Hookah contributes to the spread of many types of bacteria. Also, the Ministry said smoking hookah increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, TASS reports.

A high level of fine suspended particles was found in hookahs, which can settle in the airways and lungs; this may adversely affect visitors’ health. The effect of hookahs on the body requires further research.

Earlier in Moscow, administrative liability was introduced for the involvement of minors in the use of devices that mimic tobacco smoking. The Moscow authorities may decide to equate vape and hookahs to tobacco products in the near future.

Hookahs are popular in Moscow today: according to Olga Samarets, analyst at Finam Investment Company, the main market for hookah tobacco mixes is restaurants and cafes. The annual turnover of hookah tobacco is 22.5 tons, of which 17.5 tons is consumed in Moscow.

Previous ArticleNext Article