Recently I dined at a Persian restaurant where they had a hookah lounge. The staff explained that smoking the hookah was only inhaling flavoured water vapours. Have you tried the hookah?
No and I wouldn't encourage anyone to do so. The latest studies show that there is the perception that hookah smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking. There are tobacco and herbal based shisha and the studies show they both contain carbon monoxide and other toxic agents. The lungs are precious. So I will finish with the words of Yul Brynner "now that I am gone, I tell you whatever you do don't smoke".
Yes, it's something I don't do as much anymore, but a social activity that I heavily enjoy. It's quite soothing and calming, plus it makes for a great social outing with friends.