Hookah smoking has gained popularity recently all around the world, particularly among young people in high school and college. Many large cities now have an abundance of bars and cafes that serve shisha. Consequently,how old do you have to be to smoke hookah As parents, how can we help our kids handle this situation appropriately? The age restriction for hookah smoking will be thoroughly examined in today’s blog.
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Why shisha is so popular among young people
The popularity of hookah smoking among teenagers and young adults has increased recently. The proportion of US high school students who said they had ever used a hookah rose from 4.1% in 2011 to 9.4% in 2014, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among young adults (18–24 years old), rates were much higher: 30% said they had ever used a hookah in 2013.
Hookah smoking appeals to teenagers and college students because of its flavors and social aspects. In close proximity to high schools and college campuses, hookah clubs and cafés have sprouted up, offering a hip hangout. Hookah tobacco that has been sweetened and flavored can mask the harshness of the smoke with flavors like apple, watermelon, peach, and mint. Sharing the mouthpiece with friends during hookah parties and smoking sessions fosters a sense of community and social interaction. Hookah smoking has been entwined with youth culture and young adult nightlife with the rise of hookah cafés and cafes surrounding college campuses.
What's the US Legal Smoking Age for Hookah?
States in the United States have adopted varying strategies in regards to establishing the minimum age for hookah smoking, despite the popularity of the hookah supplies growing. The legal age ranges in each U.S. state to smoke hookah are as follows:
California, the age of eighteen. Under the age of eighteen, it is illegal in California to use a hookah.
Florida: eighteen years old. Also, under-18s are not allowed to smoke hookahs in Florida.
New York: eighteen years old. The minimum age for cigarettes and the legal age coincide.
18 years old in Texas. Texas law forbids minors from consuming tobacco products, such as hookahs.
18 years old in Illinois. Hookah lounges in Illinois are off-limits to kids.
18 years old in Massachusetts. Minors are not permitted inside hookah bars or lounges.
18 years old in Wisconsin. Minors are not permitted inside or to smoke in hookah lounges.
What health hazards do teen hookah smoking present, then?
Numerous health hazards associated with cigarette smoking also apply to hookah users. The fact that the tobacco is smoked via water does not make it any less hazardous. Toxins such as tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and compounds known to cause cancer (carcinogens) are still present in high concentrations in the smoke.
Due to the massive amount of smoke they inhale, hookah smokers actually consume more of these carcinogens than cigarette smokers do. A cigarette lasts 5–10 minutes, but a hookah session usually lasts 40–45 minutes. A smoker can inhale smoke equivalent to or greater than 100 cigarettes during a single hookah session.
Problems might arise from the charcoal used to heat the tobacco. The hookah smoke contains high concentrations of metals, carbon monoxide, and compounds that cause cancer. Lung, bladder, and oral malignancies have been related to inhaling these pollutants.
Younger users should be especially cautious when using hookahs since their lungs are more susceptible to damage from pollutants. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung growth stunting can result from the practice (COPD). The risks of smoking a hookah include heart disease, bronchitis, cancerous cell damage, and reduced lung function.
Similar to how cigarettes cause dependence and addiction, hookah smoking also releases absorbed nicotine. Regular hookah smokers show comparable levels of nicotine dependence to those who smoke packs of cigarettes every day, according to studies. In addition, similar to cigarette smokers, hookah users experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Consequently, there is a significant chance of developing a nicotine addiction and dependence when smoking a hookah, particularly for novice tobacco users. Excessive nicotine dosages might lead to health hazards like elevated blood pressure and heart rate. It is the intention of limiting hookah access to safeguard teenagers and young adults who, should they begin smoking hookah, may be more susceptible to nicotine addiction.
To sum up, there are a lot of risks associated with hookah smoking, particularly for young people who are still developing. The majority of public health specialists advise establishing a minimum age limit of 18 or 21. Limiting access for children is a crucial step in preventing long-term addiction and health issues later in life, even though it may not completely stop youth from using hookahs.
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