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Know the facts about.... Arghile |
It looks good and the smell - 25 delicious fruity flavors in one cool package, but experts say selling this hot item or its contents to underage youth can cause long term health problems. Arghile (pronounced ageelah) is what experts in the Arab - American community say isn’t as healthy as one may think. Individuals may feel tempted or enjoy the relaxation arghile brings, but individuals can face health consequences, especially if they start smoking arghile at a younger age.
Arghile originated years ago in India and has been popular among people of Arab descent for many years now. It's more elaborate than a marijuana water pipe and it is used to smoke an assortment of tobacco flavors ranging from cappuccino to apple. The contents referred to as mouassal, used in the pipe can be sold loosely or by the package.
It’s not hard to find this hot commodity either. Arghile is sold in stores and is a popular item on restaurant menus, where guests can choose their favorite arghile and receive it chilled to intensify the flavor. Restaurants also give you the option to request juice instead of water giving a customer the ultimate “bubbling flavor.”
“The myth about arghile is that it’s a safe alternative than smoking,” said Abdelwahab Naser, prevention team leader for the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). “Individuals believe the water in the pipe purifies the nicotine but it's not true,” he added. According to Naser, since the arghile is often shared, cases of tuberculosis are rising. According to a Detroit News article, studies conducted by ACCESS and Wayne State University has linked arghile to diabetes, especially if it’s smoked at an early age. In addition, second-hand smoke can have major effects on kids like asthma and permanent lung deconstruction, according to a study conducted by ACCESS.
Another problem experts say they’re facing is that arghile isn't regulated. Mona Dakroub, adolescent health educator for Access, said it’s functional and good for the economy, but people have a right to know it is harmful. “It’s our job to see if we can regulate it for people under 18,” said Dakroub. According to Naser, arghile is prevalent in other cultures and is becoming popular on local college campuses. Samer Shami, owner of Royal Smokers in Dearborn, said his clientele includes Chinese, African Americans, Germans and Indians. Shami said however, he and his employees do not sell arghile or any other tobacco product to underage youth.
“Some people think that mouassal isn't tobacco but it is,” said Shami. “When I see people who are underage I check ID,” he said. “I also catch underage youth by asking for their birth date. If they have to think about their birth date, something is wrong,” said Shami.Click here for more information about Arghile or Hookah smoking.
Or contact Abdelwahab Naser at (313) 216-2202.