Kentucky Regional Poison Center

Water-Pipe or “Hookah” use and increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

The recent increase in the use of water pipes for tobacco smoking or the use of a “Hookah” have put people at increased risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Patients have arrived in the emergency room with high carbon monoxide levels in their blood similar to those from house fires or malfunctioning furnaces. The carboxyhemoglobin levels (carbon monoxide bound the hemoglobin in the blood) can be 4 and 5 times the levels found in cigarette smokers.

Early symptoms from carbon monoxide can include – nausea, vomiting, headache, light headedness to confusion, loss of consciousness and chest pain. Carbon monoxide poisoning can progress to coma and death.  Call the Kentucky Regional Poison Control Center for more information 1-800-222-1222.