Researchers from the Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health at San Diego State University and from Virginia Commonwealth University have found that using a water-pipe device, called a “hookah,” to smoke tobacco mixtures exposes users to high levels of benzene, a chemical also found in crude oil and other petroleum products. This chemical increases the risk of leukemia and the construction of the hookah itself causes users and non-users alike to be exposed.

The hookah, which uses charcoal to heat the liquid into which flavored tobacco mixtures are placed, releases toxicants and carcinogens that users inhale directly, but it also emits those same poisons to non-users in the same room. Researchers warn that some users believe the water filters out toxins, but this is not the case. In addition, tobacco used in the hookah is as addictive as in any other form and carries with it the same cancer risks (“Hookah Smokers Are Inhaling Benzene,” REUTERS as published in The Jerusalem Post at JPost.com, November 25, 2014).

Avoiding unnecessary bodily harm is a directive that comes to us from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who [which] is in you, whom [which] you have from God and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Smoking a substance, particularly tobacco, via cigarette, hookah, or other device, does well documented damage to the body. Therefore using it, while knowing about this damage, does not glorify God, but makes light of the gift of physical health that He give us.

So the next time someone asks if you want to try the hookah, give it a pass armed with the knowledge of the damage it can do.