Water pipes

Water pipes used to smoke tobacco are common in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.  They may be used in communities from these countries in Australia.  Water pipes may also be called "narghile", "hookah" or "hubble bubble". 

Although research on water pipes is limited, it is clear that water pipe smoke is harmful.  It contains similar or higher levels of the dangerous substances that are in cigarette smoke, such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, tar and heavy metals including arsenic, cobalt, chromium and lead. 

Studies link water pipe use with addiction to tobacco, cancer, and heart and lung disease.  Pregnant women who use water pipes increase their risk of having a low weight baby, who will be more vulnerable to illness and death.  As well, sharing a water pipe with others can spread infectious diseases such as viruses and tuberculosis.

References

1. Maziak W, Ward KD, Afifi Soweid RA, et al. Tobacco smoking using a waterpipe: a re-emerging strain in a global epidemic. Tob Control 2004;13(4):327-33.
2. Knishkowy B, Amitai Y. Water-pipe (narghile) smoking: an emerging health risk behavior. Pediatrics 2005;116(1):e113-9.