Hookah Smoking on Rise in Teens

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Hookah Pipe Smoking appears to be catching on with teenagers even as young as middle school.

Researchers at the University of Florida found 11% of high school students and 4% of middle school students have tried hookah.

Hookah pipes burn charcoal and tobacco. Air is drawn through the tobacco and into the pipe, where it passes through water.

Doctors say smokers mistakenly believe it's safe because they think the water acts as a filter and that it does not contain tobacco.

The world health organization says users may smoke the equivalent of 100 or more cigarettes in one 20 to 80 minute hookah session.