NEW ‘SHISHA NO THANKS’ CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES COMMUNITIES TO KNOW THE HARMS OF SHISHA SMOKING
The state’s Chief Cancer Officer today launched the new campaign ‘Shisha No Thanks’ urging communities to be aware of the harms of smoking shisha, also known as water-pipe.
Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow said it was important for people to understand smoking shisha is as dangerous to a person’s health as smoking cigarettes.
“A person who smokes shisha is at risk of the same health problems that a person who smokes cigarettes faces, including cancer and respiratory illness. A typical 45 minute long waterpipe smoking session involves inhaling as much smoke as 100 cigarettes.
Even if the shisha does not contain tobacco, it is not safe to smoke. While these products, also called ‘herbal shisha’, may not contain the nicotine in tobacco, the smoke contains highly toxic substances. The addition of fruit flavouring and sweeteners does not reduce the harmful effects of the smoke.
Smoking remains the largest cause of preventable death and disease in NSW.
People who smoke shisha can get support to quit by calling the Quitline on 13 7848 or visiting icanquit.com.au.
