In a statement made by the Istanbul Governorship, it was announced that the use of hookah has been banned in certain areas. TSSD President Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated, “The ban should be made more comprehensive for public health, and this implementation should be widespread across the country.”

The hookah ban was announced by Governor Davut Gül. In a post on his social media account, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced that smoking hookah is prohibited on beaches, coastlines, forests, picnic areas, and parks. Speaking on the matter, Turkey’s Fight Against Smoking Association President Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Aydın said that hookah, which has recently spread among young people, contains more dangerous chemicals than cigarettes.

Hookah is as harmful as cigarettes

Assoc. Dr. Aydın pointed out that people are turning to hookah, which is presented as a cultural element of society, emphasizing that hookah is more dangerous than cigarettes. He stated, “The smoke that passes through the tobacco soaks in liquid form and enters the mouth, sticking to the throat. This can cause serious throat cancer. In addition to throat cancer, the levels of arsenic, nickel, cobalt, chromium, and lead found in hookah are a precursor to many diseases. The amount of nicotine absorbed in one session of hookah smoking exceeds 70% of the nicotine obtained from a cigarette. As TSSD, we have been warning about hookah for years. Hookah is always a riskier habit than smoking. Its tobacco, hose, and mouthpiece provide a very suitable environment for harmful microorganisms to thrive. We must not allow the health and future of our people and youth to be jeopardized. Both hookah and cigarettes, as well as electronic cigarettes, harm the lungs. The fact that tobacco products suppress the immune system is an additional concern.”

All forms of tobacco and tobacco products are harmful to health

Assoc. Dr. Aydın noted that using hookah in venues called ‘Hookah Cafes,’ where dozens of people pass through every day, poses a great health risk. He stated, “The hose part of the hookah is a complete breeding ground for germs. It increases the risk of all infectious diseases by 100%. Moreover, the mouthpiece apparatus, known as ‘sipsi,’ that is attached to the hose does not prevent this transmission risk. Types designed for use by several people at the same time carry an even greater risk. Infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, can be transmitted from person to person through hookahs that are publicly used and inadequately disinfected in hookah cafes.”

We support the hookah ban

Assoc. Dr. Aydın stated that while a smoker typically inhales smoke 8-12 times, in a session of hookah, the average is 20-200 times. “It is estimated that a one-hour session of hookah smoking is equivalent to 40-50 cigarettes. Due to the heavy metals contained within it, one hookah may cause damage equivalent to that of 4-5 packs of cigarettes,” he said. Finally, Assoc. Dr. Aydın added that the ban should be expanded and implemented nationwide, expressing gratitude to Governor Davut Gül for this decision and hoping that this decision regarding hookah will serve as an example for all our other governorships.