A Very Unhealthy Habit !

The image of the mysterious East in most Australian minds was formed by Hollywood movies and contained memories of sandy deserts,  palaces that housed powerful rulers and their harems, lots of Camels and the inevitable water pipe - the " Hookah " was a part of such backgrounds.

It was inevitable that this smoking instrument would move to Australia with the Middle East migrants who have made this country their home and it was thought that it had become a victim of our war on tobacco and the deaths that nicotine was inflicting on our citizens.

What is surprising is the eastern water pipe is fast becoming a fashion item and is appearing in coffee shops, cafes, restaurants and bars in suburbs in  Canterbury, Bankstown and St George in Sydney.   The proprietors of these establishments find it attracts custom and a new wave of men and women are finding it fashionable to try what they consider a harmless indulgence.

It is setting a new trend and its appeal is being enhanced by the addition of fruity flavours to the smoke inhaled and increasing numbers of people are finding that it is addictive.   The fact that it is a new additive to the cultural scene enhances its attraction.  It is now referred to as " Shiska " and its popularity is fast growing.

Nomatter what the base being burned, there is no doubt that inhaling smoke is a health hazard.   It is estimated that a one hour session of Shiska would be as harmful as smoking between a hundred and two hundred cigarettes.  It is inevitable that if this habit takes hold it will eventually appear in health statistics.

Apparently, it falls between health law definitions which apply to tobacco and some people believe that the principle of the water pipe passing matter through water negates all ill effects.  The Australian Lebanese Muslim association has joined the South Sydney District Health  people to launch a warning campaign about the dangers of Shiska.     This is being funded by a $ 386,000 grant from the government.

The problem is that when something becomes " fashionable " it is virtually unstoppable, just as consuming Ecstacy at music events has defied both wisdom and the law.   There is a very real danger that if Shiska becomes unlawful it will simple go underground.  As we are well aware with the drug scene, the law of supply and demand applies.   The criminal fraternity are always quick to gain the profits generated when demand is constricted by a law.

Just another conundrum for the law makers and the civil authorities to ponder.  It seems that the eastern water pipe is the latest health hazard on the party scene !