The World Health Organization (WHO) is warning against the use of water pipes, saying that they can cause many of the same health problems as smoking cigarettes, the Associated Press reported May 30.

A WHO advisory noted that hookah users are typically exposed to greater amounts of tobacco smoke over longer periods of time than cigarette smokers. While the agency said further research is needed, preliminary studies indicate that hookah use carries similar risks of addiction and disease as other tobacco use.

"Using a water pipe to smoke tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking," the WHO stated. "Contrary to ancient lore and popular belief, the smoke that emerges from a water pipe contains numerous toxicants known to cause lung cancer, heart disease and other diseases."