Campaigners today warned of the rise of water-pipe smoking as new figures show the number of "shisha" bars in the UK soaring.
Shisha smokers inhale flavoured tobacco through exotic water-pipes.
But on No Smoking Day, campaigners warned it could be more dangerous than smoking cigarettes.
The British Heart Foundation said that an hour long session could lead to a user inhaling as much smoke as from 100 cigarettes.
The Foundation has found local authorities aware of some 556 shisha bars across the UK.
And a survey of the public found about one in six young adults believed that shisha posed no threat to health – and 44 per cent believed it was less harmful than cigarettes.
It also found the habit popular with a minority of former smokers. Users include nine per cent of ex-smokers and eight per cent of "non-smokers".
Associate medical director Dr Mike Knapton said: "Contrary to popular belief, shisha is not safer than smoking cigarettes. Don’t be duped by the sweet smell and wholesome sounding fruity flavours, if you use shisha you are a smoker and that means you’re putting your health at risk.
"It’s linked to the same serious and life-threatening diseases as cigarettes and there are added risks because you often smoke it for far longer than you would a cigarette and you’re also exposed to toxins from the wood or charcoal used to burn the tobacco."
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