Facts about Shisha smoking

In many pubs and restaurants across Kenya, shisha smoking has gained massive popularity of late. A specific lounge is usually reserved in establishments for the recreational activity.

 

Both men and women partake in the smoking sessions that normally last for several hours. Groups of up-to 10 people share a single shisha. Shisha smokers get addicted due to its relaxing effect and sweet aroma. Those chewing Khat and/or drinking at the same time are ecstatic.

 

Tobacco is the main ingredient and it’s mixed with different types of flavor then placed over a foil under the burning coal. Then it’s smoked through the pipe in deep breaths and thick smoke is released. 

 

Many people in Kenya, especially in the upper-class suburbs, purchase the instrument to enjoy it at home. They’re also hired for parties. However, smoking shisha in the presence of children is ill advised due to second-hand smoke effects.

 

These are the main components on its structure and how it operates:

• The Bowl- This is where the mixture of tobacco and flavor is heated. It’s normally placed at the bottom of the bowl and then covered with a thin aluminum foil on top. Charcoal is placed on top of the foil to provide heat.
• The Windscreen- In a shisha instrument, the windscreen rests on top of the bowl and serves the purpose of maintaining the correct temperature. It keeps off wind which can cause a mess by blowing off the coal and ash. 
• The Hose- The flexible hose, approx a meter long, enables smoke to cool before reaching the mouthpiece, which is mostly metallic. When a smoker is done, it’s usually folded to prevent loss of smoke. It’s then placed on the table to signify its availability.
• The Vase- It’s also known as the water jar. It supports the body of the shisha and connects the bowl to the hose. The vase is meant to humidify and purify the smoke. The water can be substituted for other liquids like fruit juice.
• The Purge Valve- Unused smoke that has been sitting in the shisha for too long normally turns stale. The purge valve is regulated to create the needed pressure to blow it out. It must be kept clean by opening and removing residue time after time.

 

History of the Culture

The word Shisha comes from a Persian word Sheesha that means glass. There are other names for it in various places across the world like: Hookah, Narjilah, Chillim and Hubbly Bubbly.

 

History reveals that the first traces of the smoking instrument appeared in the 15^th Century in Persia and India. The fact that Europeans had not yet introduced tobacco into Persia until the 16^th Century also suggests that other substances were initially smoked.

 

In Kenya, smoking marijuana instead of tobacco in the shisha is not uncommon. The difference cannot be distinguished by a third party since the aroma remains unaffected.

 

In India, the habit was associated to the noblemen and the rich even owned customised instruments made of silver and gold. At present, all classes smoke shisha. The custom is now wide-spread in areas such as: US, Canada, UK, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Turkey, Iran, South Africa and Tanzania.

 

Side Effects

Smokers claim that fewer side effects occur than is the case with cigarette smoking. There has been no comprehensive research on the side effects caused by shisha smoking but here are several findings from various organizations. 

 

According to a research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005, a single shisha session lasting for an hour is equivalent to smoking 100 to 200 cigarettes. The report further stated that the potential health risk extends to all other tobacco related diseases. 

 

The Niche Tobacco Advisory Group (NTAG), North England pointed out that nicotine and carcinogens are still present in shisha smoking. These substances normally lead to heart complications, respiratory failure and cancer. The risk of addiction is also high.

 

In contrast, other tobacco research experts dispute these claims. A team at the Royal University of Saudi Arabia stated that there are only 142 chemicals inside the shisha smoke. This is insubstantial when compared to the number contained in cigarette smoke—5,000.

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