It's a myth.

According to doctors and medical foundations, a one-hour session of hookah smoking exposes the user to almost 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single cigarette.

What is a hookah you ask?

Hookah (also called argile and shisha) is a water pipe. It's been used for centuries in the Middle East and some parts of Asia to smoke flavored tobacco after it passes through the device's water filter.

Recently across the USA, hookah bars and cafes popped up due to the growing popularity of hookah smoking.

Hookah smoking versus cigarette smoking:

Hookah smoking delivers less nicotine (the addictive substance in tobacco) due to the intricate process of tobacco passing through water before it is inhaled by the smoker.

Even more important to note is that the tobacco used for hookah is mixed with treacle/molasses, honey/sugar, and distilled water with fruit flavors.

Hookah tobacco is smoked for flavor and not necessarily for effect. It proves a relaxing and peaceful pursuit usually done in a social scene versus alone.

Finally, popular flavors are apple, strawberry, pineapple, apricot, grape, rose, and mint.