Hookah smoking
17.4.2015
Question for written answer E-006170-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marc Tarabella (S&D)
International experts recently warned that hookah (or shisha) smoking, a common habit in the Arab world, poses serious health risks. At a conference in Abu Dhabi, experts claimed that ‘a single puff from a water pipe is nearly equal to the volume of smoke inhaled from an entire cigarette’.
Given increasing investment in hookah by tobacco companies and hookah smoking's growing popularity among young people, particularly students:
- 1.How does the Commission intend to raise awareness among young people of the dangers of hookah smoking?
- 2.Does the Commission find it acceptable that tobacco companies should be taking advantage of this new niche market by investing in such a harmful product?