One hour of hookah smoking, the CDC reported, delivers three- to six-fold higher levels of carbon monoxide and 46-fold higher levels of tar than from a single cigarette. The WHO concluded, Even after it has been passed through water, the smoke produced by a waterpipe contains high levels of toxic compounds, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals. Other studies have shown that, in addition to increasing ones carbon monoxide levels, hookah smoking caused peoples heart rates and blood pressure to rise significantly
In chronic users, it may remain detectable for several weeks
However, tobacco companies have spent decades stalling justice, filing endless appeals to delay compensation for victims
Although high, this is a decline from 2025, where 60% of people in health or social work roles held this misconception