If you enjoy smoking herbs or tobacco from a glass bong, you might want to share the experience with your friends or fellow enthusiasts. However, in times of pandemic or flu season, you might be worried about the risk of transmitting or catching germs or diseases from sharing your bong. Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce this risk and enjoy your glass bong safely and hygienically. Here are some tips to help you out.
What is a glass bong and why use it?
A glass bong is a type of water pipe that is made from high-quality borosilicate glass, which is resistant to heat, shock, and corrosion. A glass bong consists of a bowl, where you pack your herbs or tobacco, a stem, where the smoke travels through water or ice, and a mouthpiece, where you inhale the smoke. Some glass bongs also have percolators, which are devices that further filter and cool the smoke for smoother and more flavorful hits.
Glass bongs are popular among smokers because they offer many advantages over other methods of consumption. For example, glass bongs:
- Reduce the harshness and temperature of the smoke, making it easier on your throat and lungs.
- Filter out some of the tar, ash, and toxins from the smoke, making it cleaner and healthier.
- Enhance the taste and aroma of your herbs or tobacco, making it more enjoyable and satisfying.
- Allow you to control the amount and intensity of the smoke, making it more efficient and economical.
If you want to learn more about glass bongs and how to choose the best one for your needs, you can check out some online resources like
Grasscity
,
Smoke Cartel
, or
Headshop
.
How to share your glass bong safely?
Sharing your glass bong with others can be a fun and social way to enjoy your smoking session. However, it can also expose you and your friends to germs or diseases that can be transmitted through saliva or respiratory droplets. Some of these germs or diseases include:
- Cold and flu viruses
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Mono (mononucleosis)
- Strep throat (streptococcal infection)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- COVID-19 (coronavirus disease)
To prevent or minimize the risk of spreading these germs or diseases, you should follow some basic hygiene rules when sharing your glass bong. Here are some of them:
- Clean your glass bong before and after each use. You can use warm water and soap, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or specialized cleaning products to remove any residue, bacteria, or mold from your bong. You can also use brushes, sponges, or pipe cleaners to reach the hard-to-clean areas.
- Sanitize your mouthpiece before passing it to someone else. You can use alcohol wipes, cotton swabs dipped in alcohol, or disposable mouthpiece covers to disinfect your mouthpiece. You can also use a lighter to briefly heat up your mouthpiece, but be careful not to burn yourself or damage your bong.
- Avoid sharing your bowl with others. You can pack individual bowls for each person, or use separate bowls that can be easily attached and detached from your stem. This way, you can avoid cross-contamination of saliva or germs from different users.
- Wash your hands before and after handling your glass bong. You can use soap and water, hand sanitizer, or disposable gloves to keep your hands clean and germ-free. This will prevent you from transferring germs from your hands to your mouth or vice versa.
- Do not share your glass bong with anyone who is sick or has symptoms of illness. If you or someone else has a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, or any other signs of infection, you should avoid smoking from the same bong. You should also stay home and seek medical attention if needed.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are great devices for smoking herbs or tobacco, but they can also pose a health risk if shared with others without proper hygiene. To enjoy your glass bong safely and responsibly, you should always clean and sanitize your bong and its parts, avoid sharing your bowl with others, wash your hands frequently, and refrain from smoking with anyone who is sick or has symptoms of illness. By following these tips, you can reduce the chance of spreading germs or diseases and have a more pleasant and healthy smoking experience.
