Shisha
Shisha, also known by various names such as Hukka, Narghile, Arguileh, Goza, and Hubble-Bubble, is a centuries-old traditional smoking habit that has rapidly gained popularity among students and young adults in Malaysia. It is commonly referred to as waterpipe because it operates by filtering smoke through water before inhalation.
Shisha smoking usually involves using a flavored tobacco mixture, also known as shisha, which is placed in the head of the water pipe. Then, hot coals are placed on top of the shisha mixture to heat it up. The resulting smoke is drawn down through the water in the pipe and inhaled by the user through a mouthpiece attached to the end of the pipe.
Although shisha smoking is often associated with middle-eastern culture, it has become increasingly popular around the world. One of the reasons for its popularity is the availability of a variety of flavors of shisha tobacco, including fruity and sweet flavors such as apple, mint, and watermelon. These flavors are designed to enhance the smoking experience and make shisha smoking more enjoyable.
Shisha smoking, like other forms of smoking, carries a certain level of risk for the smoker. The smoke produced by the burning charcoal and tobacco mixture contains numerous harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nicotine, and tar. These chemicals can cause damage to the lungs and other organs in the body, leading to various health problems over time.
Despite these risks, shisha smoking remains a popular pastime for many young people in Malaysia and around the world. Some shisha users believe that smoking shisha is less harmful than smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products, but research suggests that this is not the case.
In addition to the traditional form of shisha smoking, there is also a trend towards using electronic shisha pens, which use an electronic heating element rather than burning coals to heat the shisha mixture. These electronic devices are marketed as a safer alternative to traditional shisha smoking, but research on their safety is still ongoing.
Another interesting trend in the world of shisha is the use of cigar shisha. This flavored tobacco mixture is designed to taste like a real cigar, providing the user with a unique smoking experience. Some cigar shishas are even infused with vanilla or other aromatic flavors to enhance the smoking experience.
In conclusion, shisha smoking is a traditional smoking habit that has gained popularity among young people in Malaysia and around the world. It carries a certain level of risk for the smoker, as the smoke produced by the burning charcoal and tobacco mixture contains harmful chemicals. Despite this, shisha smoking remains a popular pastime, with new trends such as electronic shisha pens and flavored cigar shisha emerging. So, it is high time that we become more aware of the risks of shisha smoking and take necessary precautions to protect our health.