Myths around smoking

Waterpipe (shisha, narghile) is considered to be a „healthier“ way of smoking, especially by young people. They believe the smoke is purified by water. By passing through water, however, the smoke is cooled only and the smoker is then inhaling it deeper in his lungs, compared to inhalation of cigarette smoke that is hot. One tobacco cake used during a session can equal to 30-300 cigarettes. Moreover, tobacco used for waterpipes comes from developing countries and contains more pesticides and heavy metals. When sharing a waterpipe, there is also a risk of infection (herpes, hepatitis, influenza).

Menthol added to cigarettes cools the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract; as a result, the smoker inhales the smoke deeper in his lungs. Menthol cigarettes are not a bit healthier, contrary to what most people believe.

Light cigarettes are often preferred by girls because of their elegant shape (slim) and a belief that they contain less harmful substances. In reality, the volume of the nicotine and other inhaled substances depend on the strength and length of the drag.