The American Lung Association is disappointed to learn a new hookah bar is opening in the Capital Region ("Where smoke gets in your eyes, really," Nov. 20). The idea that using hookah is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes is completely false.
Hookah users typically spend 45 minutes to an hour socializing; they take longer pulls that are held for a longer duration, all of which leads to increased exposure to the carcinogenic smoke.
Because of these factors, research has shown that, in one sitting, hookah users may inhale the equivalent of 100 cigarettes.
We must erase the fallacy that hookah smoke is somehow less toxic than cigarette smoke. It is not. New York was given an "A" in the Lung Association's State of Tobacco Control 2012 report for its comprehensive indoor smoke-free laws. The state needs to recognize hookah secondhand smoke poses the same dangers as smoke from cigarettes. Allowing these types of businesses to circumvent our smoke-free laws is a real setback to public health.
Hookah bars are popping up all over the country targeting, mostly young adults. We must stop this growing trend that poses a threat to not only young patrons but staff who are forced to breathe secondhand smoke in the workplace.
New York lawmakers need to step up and remove loopholes in the law that allow these establishments to take residence in our communities.