Location

Memorial Ballroom

Access Type

Event

Event Website

http://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/red-letter-day/student-scholar-showcase/

Start Date

4-6-2016 12:00 PM

End Date

4-6-2016 1:00 PM

Abstract

Hookahs, also known as waterpipes, are becoming the new recreational and social activity among young adults, ages 18-24. Even though cigarette smoking is decreasing, hookah smoking is replacing it and continuing to increase. Young adults do not understand that what they are smoking is equivalent to the same amount of nicotine and toxic chemicals and causes the same adverse health effects as cigarettes. In fact, a one hour session of hookah smoking is equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes. Hookah smoke contains high levels of carbon monoxide and benzene and can create detrimental health outcomes to those exposed. Even bystanders, such as those hanging out in hookah lounges with their friends, are not immune to the toxic chemicals. It is important that young adults’ misperceptions about hookah smoking be improved. Education programs are needed and should address the lack of proper health labeling on hookah packaging, education about the adverse health effects of hookah smoke, information about the many toxic chemicals it contains, and correcting general misperceptions about hookah smoking. Doing this will help ensure that the proper information about the dangerous threats of hookah smoking reach young adults, and hopefully, reverse this trend.

Faculty Mentor(s)