What tastes better - hookah or vape? What is more harmful - hookah or cigarettes? Is it true that 1 hookah is equal in strength to 100 cigarettes? Or maybe 1000 cigarettes? The discussion around this topic has grown so much that at times it looks more like a symbiosis of a consultation of doctors and a rap battle. Let’s look into this issue, weigh the pros and cons and draw our own conclusions.
Criteria for evaluation:
- Chemical composition;
- Psychological dependence;
- Risk of disease.
So, the volumes of smoke (or is it steam?)
When smoking cigarettes, the smoker inhales the smoke generated during the process of pyrolysis, that is, combustion. When smoking a hookah, the process occurs differently: aromatic smoke, which is actually more of a vapor, is formed due to the evaporation of nicotine, glycerin and flavorings.
Have you noticed what tobacco looks like in a hookah flask after smoking? It looks like a dense, dried-out lump of tobacco left after the moisture has evaporated. And not at all like the ash left from cigarettes.
There is a statement that in one session, a hookah smoker passes through the lungs 100-200 times more smoke than when smoking one cigarette. But! The volume of smoke is not an indicator of its toxicity, because hookah smoke-vapor consists primarily of water, and its formation temperature is hundreds of degrees lower than that of cigarettes.
Moreover, during the combustion of tobacco, about 4,700 chemical compounds are released, 60 of which are human carcinogens (while in hookah vapor the number of chemical compounds is 142 components). Among those dangerous to the human body are nicotine, carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide), tars, salts of heavy metals and other residual substances.
Content of harmful substances
When preparing a tobacco mixture for tobacco and hookah, various technologies and varieties of tobacco leaves are used. Dry tobacco is used in the production of cigarettes, and wet tobacco is used for hookah moassel. When smoking a cigarette, the tobacco begins to burn quickly due to the high temperature. When smoking a hookah, the tobacco in the bowl does not have direct contact with the coal, therefore, if stuffed correctly, it does not burn, but only smolders when the temperature rises.
There is a myth that hookah smoke contains more carcinogens due to the complex composition of the mixture (syrup, glycerin, flavorings). However, cigarette smoke contains a larger amount of combustion by-products due to the high content of nicotine, which is an order of magnitude less in a hookah smoking mixture.
It is important to know that the content of toxic resins depends on temperature, and it is very different for cigarettes and hookahs. Cigarette tobacco instantly begins to burn and this is the essence of this type of smoking. When smoking a hookah, everything is different: the smoke passes through a long shaft, chilled water or other liquid and a mouthpiece. At the output we receive cooled and purified steam with a reduced resin content.
Regarding the quality of flavoring, glycerin, syrup: give preference to reputable manufacturers (Alfaker, Starbaz, El Nakhla, Afzal, etc.) who use natural and high-quality ingredients. Moreover, many companies produce exclusive lines of nicotine-free tobacco - this minimizes the harmful effect.
Chemical composition of tobacco
About nicotine
Since tobacco is used in both cigarettes and hookahs, nicotine is inevitably inhaled in both cases (except, of course, for the use of nicotine-free hookah mixtures).
However, there is less nicotine in hookah tobacco than in cigarette tobacco: the share of nicotine in hookah tobacco, as a rule, does not exceed 1% (and most often it is 0.5-06%), while in cigarettes this figure can reach 3% , and 0.6% is the minimum threshold.
Non-nicotine
mixtures do not contain tobacco at all, and, as the name suggests, no nicotine.
About carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide (also known as carbon monoxide CO) is dangerous because it easily combines with hemoglobin and directly affects the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, lowering the level of oxygen in the blood. Carbon monoxide is released in both cases - when smoking both cigarettes and hookah. Moreover, the numbers in the second case, at first glance, even seem somewhat frightening:
1 liter of hookah smoke contains 1.79 mg of carbon monoxide. Assuming 100 puffs are taken in one hour-long session, the final “total” will be 179 mg of CO2. To achieve such “results” alone, you need to take one and a half deep puffs per minute!
As a rule, a hookah is smoked in a group, during a leisurely conversation, which obviously does not contribute to the establishment of such “records.”
By the way, the amount of carbon monoxide inhaled when smoking 1 cigarette is 11.66 mg. Now calculate for yourself how much carbon monoxide a smoker will get if he smokes 100 cigarettes on his own.
For reference: death from carbon dioxide poisoning is possible with inhalation of 2300 mg (equivalent to approximately 20 cigarettes).
Toxic substances and heavy metal salts
Both hookah smoke and cigarette smoke contain toxic substances and heavy metal salts. However, their ratio is clearly in favor of hookahs. And the point here is not only in quantitative superiority (remember, 4700 versus 142?), but also in the danger of compounds that increase during combustion: isoprene, which causes nausea and dizziness, damages the kidneys, cadmium, carcinogens tar, nitrosodimethylamine and acetaldehyde, poisonous ammonia, which affects the head brain and central nervous system, deadly arsenic, toxic nitromethane...
In addition, when burning, they also enter into active interaction, enhancing their effect on the human body.
Vape or cigarettes - which is more harmful?
The harmful effects of regular cigarettes on the body of a smoker and even those around him have been confirmed by scientific research. In addition to dependence on nicotine, smokers develop diseases of the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and cancer.
Electronic vaping devices are not certified by any research organizations, so there is no government control over their production. And the high price leads to the appearance of budget counterfeits, the manufacture of which uses toxic materials and poisonous components.
In comparison, both methods turn out to be harmful to health:
- vaping requires moderation - the cigarettes in a pack can be counted and stopped in time, and the contents of the vape are unmarked and evaporate quickly (1 cartridge = 1 pack);
- nicotine in tobacco products is natural, vapes contain its analogues of chemical origin;
- when smoking, addiction occurs, and it will not be possible to quit the habit with the help of vaping (often the opposite effect occurs, and non-smoking vapers switch to traditional smoking);
- the concentration of toxic substances and carcinogens in vaping liquids is 4-5 times lower, but this is enough for intoxication, allergic reactions, and the development of pathologies of the respiratory system;
- The smoke from a regular cigarette contains 10 times more nicotine than steam, but no studies have yet been conducted on the negative effects of steam on the body of people nearby.
Harmful substances in vaping and cigarettes.
The physical harm from vaping is significantly lower than from smoking tobacco. Over time, the low concentration of nicotine in the vape will not be enough, and the vaper will prefer regular cigarettes.
And as for hookah tobaccos - what is included in their composition?
Hookah tobacco, in addition to the actual tobacco leaves, also contains the following components:
- Marinade or molasses (sugar syrup soaked into tobacco leaves);
- Glycerin, which provides “smokiness”;
- Flavorings, thanks to which there is such a variety of tastes;
- Preservatives that ensure freshness and proper storage of moist tobacco.
Opponents of hookahs pay attention to glycerin - considering this element dangerous.
How can it harm?
Is glycerin in hookah tobacco harmful?
Glycerin vapor particles make up the bulk of hookah smoke. Glycerin is a simple trihydric alcohol of a viscous-liquid consistency, actively used in various industrial fields, including in medicine. This is a globally approved substance that you can buy at any pharmacy without a prescription.
How can it be dangerous when smoking a hookah?
Actually, nothing.
The evaporation temperature of glycerin is 100°C, the boiling point is 290°C. The poisonous gas acrolein (by the way, also present in cigarette smoke) can only be formed by prolonged boiling of glycerin and in the presence of catalysts. However, as soon as the temperature in a hookah cup rises above 150°C, burning sugar in molasses gives the tobacco an unpleasant taste.
So, in order to suffer from glycerin in hookah smoke, you will have to try hard and endure the disgusting bitterness for some time.
Hookah smoke contains 36 times more carcinogenic tars than cigarettes.
Hookah is often considered harmless because the tobacco does not burn in it, but simply smolders. But from a chemical point of view, these processes are equivalent. As a result of the smoldering of tobacco in a hookah, about 30 carcinogenic substances are released that cause cancer, diseases of the respiratory tract and the cardiovascular system.
When smoking one cigarette, approximately 500 ml of smoke enters the lungs. At the same time, one smoked hookah = 90,000 ml of smoke in the lungs. At the same time, 36 times more carcinogenic tars, 8 times more carbon monoxide and 50 times more polyaromatic hydrocarbons enter the body than from a regular cigarette.
“People who use hookah for half an hour get tens of times more toxic and carcinogenic substances than when smoking cigarettes. They receive a large dose of carbon monoxide, which causes a lack of oxygen in the body - hypoxia. Often, hookah smoking is associated with relaxing with friends and creates a pseudo-culture, which, unfortunately, has become very widespread in our country,” says Otto Stoika, chief physician of the Kyiv City Health Center and a national expert on tobacco control.
Water filtration vs mechanical filters
A water filter is an absolute advantage of a hookah: passing through water in a flask, the smoke is cleared of acrolein and acetaldehyde, the amount of nicotine and phenols is reduced (up to 90%), and the amount of small solid particles is also reduced by half.
Cigarettes also use filters (carbon or mechanical), but they rather prevent physical penetration. The filter, like cigarettes, contains harmful substances to a much lesser extent; in addition, under the influence of high temperatures, new chemical compounds related to carcinogens appear.
To be fair, it is worth noting that cooled smoke penetrates deeper into the lungs, not only into the upper lobes, but also into the middle and lower lobes. If you abuse hookah, this can serve as an additional cause for concern.
Differences between hookah and vape
Let's start with the obvious - hookah and electronic cigarettes are not the same thing.
The very first and most important difference in a hookah is the use of tobacco, and practically the same principle of smoldering as in a cigarette, so it’s best to compare it with it.
The electronic cigarette uses a liquid made from propylene glycol and glycerin with the addition of nicotine and food flavorings.
A hookah can be prepared in different ways, for example adding alcohol to the flask, or a bowl of fruit, which will greatly affect its taste as well as the consequences after smoking.
In electronic cigarettes, the liquid recipe is unchanged; the strength or taste may differ, but the composition will be the same.
An electronic cigarette is a portable device that can be with you anywhere and anytime, while a hookah is mostly a stationary and home device.
Servicing a vape is faster and easier than a hookah, and also has a longer service life.
In an electronic cigarette, you just need to fill in a new liquid and enjoy it, while when preparing a hookah with one filler or flavor, you will have to completely redo it.
And now - to vapes. No tobacco - no problem?
Vape, also known as an electronic cigarette, began its journey as an actively advertised “healthy” alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. After the adoption of the anti-tobacco law in Russia in 2013, the popularity of vaping reached a new level. But now the Ministry of Health is already openly declaring the dangers of vaping, and officials have equated electronic and regular cigarettes in the face of the Law.
So you can't smoke a vape in public places.
But it is possible in specially designated places. And therefore it’s time to discuss - is it worth it?
Despite loud statements (this is the official name of the vape - ENDS) there is “pure water vapor”, WHO denies this.
In addition to the nicotine we are already familiar with, “pure vapor” can contain substances such as propylene glycol and formaldehyde.
Propylene glycol released when the mixture is heated can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and persistent allergic reactions. Formaldehyde is included in the list of carcinogens, and even occasional inhalation can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes and skin.
But this potential danger cannot be compared with all the above-mentioned consequences of smoking cigarettes.
The positive aspects of vaping and hookah
Of course, in order to quit smoking, it is better not to choose alternative options, but to immediately quit the bad habit. Hookah and Vape have already helped many people get rid of their addiction to nicotine. They are also tried by those who just want to relax and have fun. It is worth considering the positive aspects of the devices in question:
- The negative impact of vaping and hookah on the body is practically absent, especially when compared with regular cigarettes.
- In a vape there is no combustion process, and in a hookah a kind of filter cleanses the vapor of toxins.
- The legislation officially allows both vaping and hookah. In addition, electronic cigarettes can be smoked in public places.
- Many people use a hookah to perform breathing exercises. Instead of tobacco, you can use various herbal infusions.
- Vaping will not cause a fire because there is no open flame.
- Hookah and e-cigarettes have a pleasant aroma. Regular cigarettes are accompanied by a disgusting odor that permeates clothes.
Is hookah addictive?
Research conducted in Lebanon showed that among people who smoke hookah up to 3 times a week, only 10% of people have a nicotine addiction. Among those who smoke hookah every day, 40% are nicotine addicts.
The same numbers are relevant for those who like to vape. But, obviously, a hookah cannot be called a portable device, and smoking here is more of a ritual than a habit. So in the case of vapes, it is much easier to become addicted.
From this it follows that if you follow the measures, it is quite difficult to become dependent on hookah. Another thing is psychological dependence, but there are no uniform norms here, because the paths of development of such dependence are very unpredictable, and can affect a variety of addictions - from pear caramel to even numbers of trams.
Is it possible to quit smoking with a vape or hookah?
You can quit smoking with the help of willpower. Vape or hookah here can only have a placebo effect. This is evidenced by the results of a study published in 2014 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine: there is no noticeable effect from such a replacement, and even after a year, the nicotine thirst of heavy smokers makes itself felt, and many of them returned from e-cigarettes to regular ones .
To be fair, we cannot fail to mention the potential dangers that hookah smoking brings.
Negative points
Among the negative aspects it is worth noting:
- you can purchase a low-quality product (vaping, tobacco, vaping mixture) that will harm your health;
- people who switch to vaping or hookah after cigarettes begin to smoke more often due to the lack of obvious harm;
- There is no ban on smoking electronics or hookah by minors.
Today, vaping and hookahs are considered much safer than regular cigarettes. However, it is impossible to say for sure that they are harmless. In everything you need to know when to stop.
Who shouldn't smoke hookah?
- People who are genetically predisposed to cancer - especially when it comes to cancer of the larynx, esophagus, lungs, bronchi, and oral cavity;
- The issue of hygiene: there is an opinion that microorganisms responsible for the development of diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis A can accumulate and multiply in the flask. We do not exclude the possibility that there are unscrupulous hookah operators who do not care about proper cleaning of their equipment, but with us you have nothing to fear — we thoroughly disinfect the flasks and use only disposable hypoallergenic mouthpieces;
- For people prone to psychological dependence and who do not know the limits: remember that all excesses are harmful, and even from a large number of apples you can be overtaken by heartburn, as Shakespeare said: so sweet is honey that, in the end, it is also vile - so observe in moderation, friends!
