What is shisha?
The shisha, also known as a waterpipe, nargileh, or hookah, is a device used to smoke flavored tobacco. The tobacco used contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance. The tobacco is heated using charcoal, and the smoke produced passes through a vase filled with water before being inhaled through a mouthpiece. The smoke contains many toxic substances, as passing through the water does not filter out these substances at all.
What's the problem?
Shisha smoke is just as harmful as cigarette smoke. It also contains a large number of toxic substances, including carcinogens. Hookahs exposes persons who use or consume them to higher levels of certain toxins. This is because two types of smoke are produced during a session: the smoke inhaled by the person who uses or consumes them and the smoke released by the charcoal. Contrary to a widely held misconception, water does not filter out toxic substances. The toxins released increase the risk of developing cardiorespiratory diseases and cancers.
The smoke emitted by a hookah is also harmful to non-users who are nearby, as they are exposed to the same toxic substances as smokers. The nicotine it contains can cause cardiovascular problems, causes dependence, and may lead to the use of other tobacco or nicotine products. In adolescents, nicotine can also impair attention span, learning abilities, and emotional regulation.
How many young people use drugs?
Shisha use increases with age: 4% of 14-year-olds and 7% of 15-year-olds have used it at least once in the past 30 days (HBSC, 2022).
Among 15- to 19-year-olds, 5% smoke shisha at least occasionally, and less than 1% do so daily (ESL, 2025).
Use of various tobacco products
at least once in the past 30 days,
among 15-year-olds
(in %; HBSC 2022)
What is the legal framework?
Under the Federal Act on Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes (LPTab, in effect since October1, 2024), the supply of tobacco products (cigarettes, heated tobacco products, snus, snuff, shisha, cigars, etc.) and nicotine products (electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches) to minors is prohibited. This prohibition applies to both vending machines and online stores: any violation is punishable by law. The minimum age for the sale and free distribution of tobacco products and nicotine products is set at 18 years old throughout Switzerland. Every point of sale must display this prohibition in a visible and legible manner.
For more detailsIn short, what should you keep in mind?
- 1.Shisha produces smoke that is just as harmful as cigarette smoke, containing a large number of toxic substances (including carcinogens), in addition to those produced by the combustion of charcoal.
- 2.It also exposes nearby nonsmokers to the same toxic substances.
- 3.It contains nicotine, which leads to rapid dependence and poses cardiovascular risks.
- 4.In Switzerland, the supply (sale and free distribution) of shisha is prohibited to those under 18.
How can we talk to young people about this?
Before discussing this with young people, it’s helpful to feel comfortable with the topic and have a few pointers to help get the conversation started. As parents, teachers, or youth professionals, you’ll find more information on how to talk to young people about this in the “Your Role” section.