The smoke is clearing around hookah use.
According to a report released by the American Lung Association, about 90 percent of beginning hookah users believe that smoking cigarettes is more addictive than smoking hookah.
The reality couldn't be more different.
Because hookah is smoked for a longer amount of time, typically 40-45 minutes, smokers can inhale as much smoke as consuming 100 or more cigarettes, the report, which was released in February, stated.
"If you decide to smoke, find out what you can about it," said Becky Allen, a health educator at Olin Health Center.
Waterpipes, commonly known as hookahs, are the tobacco trend of the 21st century, the report stated. People ages 18 to 24 are more than three times likely to smoke than people 65 years and older.
Although Olin hasn't seen a rise in tobacco use on campus, the bottom line is hookah is a fashionable gateway to other tobacco products. Students often are unaware or confused about the differences between cigarettes and hookah, Allen said.
To clear up any misconceptions, Allen said people can look to the association for information.
Despite the risk smoking poses, the report stated hookah bars continue to grow in popularity. About 200-300 hookah bars are open throughout the U.S.
Tim McGrath, owner of Blue Midnight Hookah Lounge, 330 Albert Ave., said his establishment has attracted a crowd and provides a friendly environment for hookah smokers.
"It's an outlet for a lot of people not completely comfortable hanging out at bars," McGrath said. "The 18- to 20-year-old crowd is really happy that we're here."
In its first year of operation, Blue Midnight Hookah Lounge has exceeded McGrath's expectations.
"Overall, there's somewhat of a clear vision between (hookah and cigarettes)," McGrath said. "We get a lot of people that don't smoke cigarettes."
People should know smoking hookah is bad for them because they are inhaling smoke, said Kate Lester, a political theory and constitutional democracy senior. However, she understands the attraction.
"It's almost like breathing flavored air," she said.
Hookah smoke is created by specially made, sticky tobacco that is often flavored with herbs, fruit or spices. The tobacco is heated by burning a coal on a waterpipe.
While its presence in the U.S. is relatively new, hookah has been smoked for centuries in Persia and India. Joanna McGrath, Tim's wife and co-owner of Blue Midnight Hookah Lounge, said she understands the dangers of smoking and its health risks, but has noticed a growing demand among college students for hookah lounges.
"It's more of a social thing than a smoking thing," she said. "(But) there are some people who come in because they love smoking."
Trey Scroggin can be reached at scroggi3@msu.edu.
