Ore. study: Teens smoking more hookah tobacco

PORTLAND, Ore. – Hookah smoking by teens is on the rise in Oregon. That's what the Oregon Public Health Division is reporting.

Researchers also found that teens think smoking a hookah is "glamorous" and "not as bad as cigarettes." However, researchers say the idea that hookah smoking is less dangerous is not entirely true.

To be sure, the flavored tobacco smoke is filtered through a water bath before it goes into the lungs. However, they say hookah tobacco still contains nicotine – an addictive additive – and can cause lung cancer, heart disease and other health problems just like cigarettes.

This study also found there are more hookah lounges popping up in Oregon. Those lounges, the study reports, may be targeting teens.

Oregon law says those under the age of 18 can not go inside these lounges. However, the researchers found teens under 18 had "no trouble getting in."