One session of hookah smoking is as bad as smoking 100 cigarettes, a new study by University of Florida researchers found.

Many people take to smoking hookah or "shisha" thinking it's a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking. This couldn't be further from the truth. According to the findings of a new University of Florida review, one session of hookah smoking that ideally lasts for 20 to 80 minutes is as bad is smoking 100 cigarettes.

"The cooled and sweetened flavor of hookah tobacco makes it more enticing to kids and they falsely believe it's less harmful," Tracey E. Barnett from the University of Florida in Gainesville told Reuters Health. "One-time use can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or other diseases, including but not limited to tuberculosis, herpes, respiratory illnesses including the flu, and long-term use can lead to heart disease and many cancers."

Hookah began in the Indian subcontinent among Hindus in the 15th Century and subsequently spread through the Ottoman Empire. These days, it is common across the globe. In fact, a  2011 study highlighted the growing number of Californian teenagers who do hookah on a daily bases. According to estimations, about 100 million people worldwide smoke hookah each day.

A hookah pot is a water-pipe device with a tubes and mouthpiece. However, most often than not, it is used to smoke tobacco which is sometimes flavored.

"While water is a filter, it does not filter out any of the toxins," Barnett said. This leads to addiction, lung damage and other health dangers.

Findings of the new review were published in Respiratory Medicine.