DEARBORN — In recent years, argeileh (AKA hookah) smoking has become quite prevalent among Arab Americans around metro Detroit, as an upsurge of hookah lounges continue to attract young customers on a daily basis. However, what has been known to be tradition among the elderly in the Middle East for the past 800 years, is now moving in a more modern and innovative direction for the younger generation here in the U.S.

The E-hookah electronic cigarette has already begun to make its rounds among local residents here. Billed as a portable hookah, the product is convenient for individuals who are on-the-go. It shares a lot of similarities to an E-cigarette, which was introduced to the market just a few years ago, as an alternative and healthier substitute to cigarette smoking.

The E-hookah, comparable to the size of a cigar in dimensions, consists of three detachable parts. The first part is the battery, which can be detached from the product and attached to a USB cord that individuals can then attach to a computer and charge for the use of up to 800 puffs. 

With various companies distributing the product, some claim the battery life can last through 300 recharges. Other companies are also offering a cheaper, disposable alternative, which only works for approximately 800 puffs and isn’t rechargeable.

E-Hookah.

The second part of the E-hookah is the tank cartridge, where individuals insert a vapor liquid, which is sold separately, into the tank. The third part of the product is the atomizer, which converts the vapor liquid into a water-based vapor that can then be inhaled. 

The vapor liquids come in a number of flavors, including double apple, banana, cherry, fruit mix, lemon and mango; similar to the flavors used in the tobacco on an argeileh. Called “The E-liquid,” the companies claim that they are made out of all-natural ingredients and are much healthier than the common tobacco flavors used in regular argeilehs. 

It should be noted, however, that some of the companies do include a small percentage of nicotine in the ingredients of their E-liquid. While studies have shown that tobacco could have long-term, hazardous effects, nicotine has also proven to be highly addictive and is one of the primary components in the ingredients of cigarettes. 

One factor that works in favor of this new form of hookah smoking is that it is definitely more cost efficient. An E-hookah rechargeable battery can be sold at retail price for only $30-$50, while a disposable one could be sold for as cheap as $5.00. 

The E-liquids come in various flavors.

The E-liquids are sold in 20-30 ml bottles for just $5.00-$10.00 in retail price. The E-hookah can be refilled with no more than 1.5 ml of liquid at a time, which means that one bottle could provide a substantial, month-long, supply for a smoker. 

Health risks from the E-hookah remain unknown, although most manufacturers claim that it is a healthier alternative to a regular argeileh session, comparing it to how an E-cigarette is compared to a regular cigarette. 

The hazards of regular argeileh smoking continue to be largely ignored by regular smokers. Recent studies have suggested that a typical one-hour argeileh session is similar to inhaling 100-200 times the volume of smoke that is inhaled from a single cigarette, thus increasing health risks through high levels of carbon monoxide, heavy metals, tar and cancer-causing chemicals.  

However, one could argue that the E-hookah might not be that much healthier. The mobility of the product could lead smokers to use it more frequently than a regular argeileh, which is only used during sit-down sessions. It should be noted that E-liquids are not FDA approved and neither are flavored tobacco hookah products, but that hasn’t stopped hundreds of thousands of Americans from using them on a daily basis. 

The E-hookah and E-liquid cannot be sold to minors and are not to be used by women who are pregnant and nursing. Individuals who suffer from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are also advised from using it.