Shisha in winter – this is what you should pay attention to

During the cold season we prefer to make ourselves comfortable indoors and only set foot outside the door if we really have to. While the diehards continue to bundle up and have their shisha session on the balcony, for many people it's hard to think about having a shisha outside. That's why shisha fans are drawn to the shisha bar or why they prefer to enjoy their shisha in their own four walls. However, caution is advised!

Carbon monoxide: The odorless danger of shisha smoking

Many people don't even think twice about turning on their water pipe indoors. After all, you can go to shisha bars and there are significantly more shishas smoking away. The small but subtle difference, however, is that shisha bars are legally required to use a suitable ventilation system, so that the air is constantly exchanged. But let's rewind: How does carbon monoxide, also known as CO, actually come about? The natural charcoal used in shisha smoking was actually manufactured for outdoor use and is therefore not adapted to indoor conditions. Carbon monoxide is created automatically by burning coal . This isn't a problem outside because the CO concentration in the fresh air is very low. In a closed room, however, things are completely different: the concentration of carbon monoxide is many times higher and can therefore pose a serious health threat. Particularly problematic: Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas and is therefore often only noticed when the first symptoms of poisoning such as nausea or headaches appear. In severe cases, seizures, loss of consciousness and death can also occur. This is because carbon monoxide poisoning results in an enormous lack of oxygen in the blood. If you notice the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, you should immediately leave the room, get some oxygen in the fresh air and seek medical care if the symptoms do not subside.

Shisha session indoors: This is how it works

Does that mean smoking shisha indoors is not possible? Nope. As a rule, it is of course always advisable to smoke outside where carbon monoxide cannot become a problem. However, you can smoke indoors with as little concern as possible if you keep a few things in mind. First of all, it is advisable not to light the coal and let it glow in the same room in which you want to make yourself comfortable to smoke shisha. Ideally, you should light the coals outside on the balcony or terrace if possible. It is also important to ensure there is a sufficient supply of fresh air while smoking. That means: leave the windows open! This way, the CO concentration in the room can be greatly reduced and you don't actually have to worry anymore. Now put a winter type of tobacco in your head and nothing will stand in the way of a relaxed session of shisha.