The Flavoured Poison: The Hidden Dangers of Shisha

The consumption of shisha continues to grow among the young generation, perhaps because it’s too sweet or makes them seem cool. But is it true that shisha contains fruit flavors, so it is not toxic?

Shisha, also known as hookah, waterpipe, or nargileh, is a combination of tobacco prepared in molasses and flavored with fruit flavors. It also contains toxic components such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, and other toxins.

Most of the youth, regardless of gender, have continued to use shisha in their daily lives for fun, making it a normal routine. We can say, “Shisha is now part of the youth culture.”

In an interview with a youth who has been using shisha, he confesses, “I started using shisha because of the influence I got from my friends. At first, you cannot refuse to taste it because of the flavors in it, like pineapple, orange, and mint — it’s tempting. After trying it, it became part of my routine, but I realized the effects associated with it, like nausea and even breathing difficulties.”

The myth that most people believe is that since shisha contains fruit flavoring, it masks the taste of toxic substances and makes it a healthy choice, or that the use of water in shisha removes toxins.

The truth is that shisha is harmful since it contains toxic elements. More so, studies show that 45 minutes of shisha equals 100 cigarettes. Shisha could be sweet but toxic.

Other products such as tobacco-free or herbal shisha are also not safe, just like the other types of shisha, since the smoke from the wood or charcoal used contains carbon monoxide and other chemicals, which have similar toxins to tobacco products.

In Kenya, the shisha ban was implemented in 2017 under the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Regulation, prohibiting importation, manufacturing, sale, use, advertising, promotion, and distribution.

Here are some of the effects of the active component in shisha — nicotine — when consumed in the body:

Nicotine is the key addictive component, and it produces a stimulating effect. Nicotine affects the central nervous system and causes dizziness, sleep disturbances, changes in blood flow, and headaches.

To the cardiovascular system, it increases the risk of blood clotting and changes the heart rhythm and rate.

Nicotine can also affect brain functioning and structure, causing various deficits such as an increased risk of addiction, since the dopamine reward system becomes dependent on nicotine, making it hard to quit. It also increases the risk of stroke and other psychiatric disorders.

Additionally, sharing shisha mouthpieces can contribute to the transmission of other diseases such as lung infections, hepatitis, and even herpes.

The reality that most people don’t want to accept is caused by ignorance — the fact that you are using something harmful, and you know very well it may affect you now or maybe later, but still choose it and even include it in your daily routines.

As much as you like having fun weekends, cool activities, and popularity, you should not forget to consider your health a priority by ensuring that the fun activities you enjoy doing are beneficial to you and your body in general.

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