I refer to the article, “Tar in one hookah session as much as you get from smoking 25 cigarettes [5]” (January 15). Scientists have found that smoking hookah, also known as shisha, delivers approximately 125 times the smoke, 25 times the tar, 2.5 times the nicotine and 10 times the carbon monoxide compared with a single cigarette.
It seems clear that hookah smokers are exposed to more harm than they realise. Perhaps many do not care, but Hong Kong should do something to prevent hookah from becoming a sort of trend, especially among teenagers, who are always curious.
There are several shisha bars in Hong Kong. I think these shops should be banned.
Hookah should be treated as seriously as cigarettes, and more people should be made aware of its harm.
Seki Chan, Tseung Kwan O
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Source URL: http://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/1906458/letters-editor-january-28-2016