Researchers say a majority of youngsters are not aware of the dangerous health consequences of smoking hookah.

Despite many studies highlighting the negative consequences of smoking hookah, researchers of a new study find that many young smokers are still not aware of the dangers of this cigarette alternative.

For the study, researchers surveyed young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 across three Southern California hookah lounges. They asked the participants whether they thought hookah smoking was dangerous to health and if not, why?  Researchers were surprised to find that 57 percent of them thought hookah was a safer alternative. Of these, 47 percent said that they thought hookah wasn't dangerous because the water filters the smoke. Another 35 percent said that fruit flavors detoxifiy the tobacco's harmful chemicals.  An additional 16 percent thought that the tobacco in hookah was not addictive and did not contain nicotine.

"This study underscores the urgent importance of more research and campaigns to increase public knowledge on the dangers of hookah smoking, especially among young adults," lead author Rezk-Hanna said in a press statement. "Understanding the basis of these perceptions and beliefs is of particular relevance for helping healthcare professionals design effective prevention and intervention strategies that target young-adult hookah smokers."