PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
HEALTH EFFECTS OF SHISHA SMOKING (3 July 2011)

That this House expresses concern at the rising number of people smoking tobacco, often referred to as shisha, through waterpipes (also known as hookha); notes that the increase is particularly prevalent amongst young people from ethnic minorities; commends research undertaken by the World Health Organisation that has demonstrated one smoking session can result in up to 200 times the amount of smoke being consumed when compared to that of a cigarette; further notes that associated health effects include increased risk of cancer, respiratory disease, heart disease, tuberculosis and herpes; further notes that the process of burning charcoal to heat tobacco is often a fire hazard, particularly when undertaken indoors; praises steps taken by local authorities in closing down establishments that illegally allow shisha smoking in enclosed spaces in contravention of the Health Act 2006; and calls on the Government to take greater steps to increase the awareness of the dangers associated with shisha smoking.

Sponsored by:
Sir Mark Hendrick (Labour)