Bongs are sealed chambers half-filled with water, which consists of a pipe with a bowl at its end that goes into the chamber under water level. Another pipe which has a mouthpiece at its end enters the chamber and stays above water level. Tobacco is placed in the bowl, which, when lit, is inhaled through the mouthpiece. This lowers the air pressure in the chamber which causes air to travel from the bowl through the water to the chamber and directly into the smoker’s lungs. In a bong, the smoke passes through the water very fast and so it is felt directly in the lungs. This feeling is quite instant as compared to a water pipe where the smoke is drawn quite slowly through the hose and water.
Bongs are made up of various materials and are available in different shapes, sizes and designs. Ceramic, glass, acrylic and color changing glass bongs are quite popular among smokers today. A bong is similar to a pipe but it uses water which filters various toxins and other carcinogenic elements like tar present in the smoke. Besides, the water also has a cooling effect on the smoke.