A new study seen by Asian Image reveals the growing number of teenage girls’ now smoking shisha.

The report, which has yet to be released, is the largest study of shisha smoking of its kind. Over 150 people aged between 14-26 were interviewed and it shows that there are more and more young girls frequenting shisha bars.

Those interviewed see shisha smoking as a past time and are not concerned of the health effects associated with it. Some said they did not mind girls smoking in bars but would not want their sister to do it.

According to research from the World Health Organisation (WHO) smoking shisha for one hour equates to smoking 100 cigarettes.

Scare stories of Shisha bars being used to groom young people were have been slammed by some who said the bars were simply places for people to go to ‘meet and relax’.

The survey was conducted in the Blackburn and Darwen region by community group One Voice.

Zareen, 19, says in the study, “I first went to a shisha bar when I was 17. I really enjoyed going there as it was a place to chill. I don’t go as often now as some of my friends have bought their own shisha pipes and flavours.

“I don’t think shisha bars will survive in the coming years as more and more people will do it at home, a bit like alcohol consumption in homes rather than in pubs.

“I think the health message has been ignored. Until people start getting lung disease through shisha smoking then people might start to take it seriously.

“It’s a good place for boys and girls to mix and that is why they are so popular.”

Nadia, 21, said, “There are few alternatives for young people when it comes to socialising. And that is why it’s so popular.

“The flavours and the atmosphere is the best thing about shisha bars. I think they are here to stay, and I think most of them are improving the surroundings to ensure they get the customers.

For 17-year-old Adnan, smoking shisha is just a way to relax. “I started Shisha smoking at the age of 15 when my father took me to a café in Pakistan during the summer holidays.

“I don’t drink, take any drugs, or anything like that. I am not particularly religious, but the sorts of people who come to shisha bars are quite respectable people.”

Shisha smoking is associated with relaxation amalgamated with the allure of Middle Eastern culture. As a result cafes, not always legal ones, are being opened throughout the country.

As shisha cafes are becoming increasingly prolific, research finds that shisha users are very often unaware of the health risks with the fruit flavours and sweet smells often disguising the harmful effects.

Humaira, 20, Blackburn said, “I was attracted by the socialising element of shisha when I was at college, we would go at lunch times and at the end of the day.

“I am not sure whether shisha is bad for your health, I would say it’s 50/50. I have got my information from college, the internet and from parents. My parents do not know I smoke shisha and they would not approve.”

Rafik, a 20-year-old student said, “I have been smoking shisha since the age of 15. I stumbled upon the café bar with my friends one weekend. And I haven’t stopped since.

“I don’t think there has been a single week in the last five years where I haven’t smoked shisha.

“I do feel that shisha smoking has some harm to your health, but not as bad as drugs or cigarettes. I have tried to stop a few times because it has gotten to be an expensive habit. But it is difficult.

“Most of my family are aware that I smoke shisha. The one thing that disturbs me a little is the fact that more and more girls are now smoking shisha. Something is not quite right about that. I don’t think I would let my sister smoke shisha.”

Whilst smoking shisha is not illegal, it is illegal for under 18s to smoke shisha.

Yet very often young people are permitted entry to shisha bars, exposing them to the risks of passive smoking.

Shisha, like cigarettes, contains nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead, putting shisha smokers at risk of the same kinds of diseases as cigarette smokers, including heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease and problems during pregnancy.

Furthermore, there are health implications from sharing the shisha pipe, including a risk of catching TB, herpes and gum disease.

However, 18-year-old Abdul is sceptical about the health warnings.

“I keep hearing about this statistic that 100 cigarettes equal an hour’s worth of shisha smoking.

“I also keep hearing about the dangers of sharing mouthpieces.

“I also heard recently that these shisha bars are full of groomers and undesirable folk. I also heard of a really funny thing, where the owners of these bars/cafes were funding terrorism. I am not sure if any of these things is proved.

“I go to have a ‘smoke’ twice a week. And to be honest with you, I play football, I pray namaz fairly regularly, I am getting on with my studies – and would describe myself as pretty normal.

“I think the dangers of shisha smoking and everything that surrounds it has been overstated. I think alcohol consumption is a far bigger problem – but no one is shutting down pubs to get rid of this issue.”

“If the local authorities are really bothered about this ‘problem’ then they should invest in other activities for the Asian youth of Blackburn.”

Aysha, 19, said, “I started smoking shisha and attending shisha bars or lounges since the age of 17.

“We even finished college early to go to have a shisha session. My friends have been smoking shisha regularly for the last couple of years.

“I have read up about shisha through College and Facebook, and I am not sure whether it’s bad for your health or not, I am not sure if the experts are sure either. The message is not consistent. Obviously my parents don’t know I smoke, as they simply would not allow it.”