By: Keith Morrison|Staff writer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Restoring Hope Foundation, has extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the esteemed Members of the House of Representatives for their support in addressing the critical issue of Shisha availability on the Liberian market.
In a recent development, the Foundation submitted a petition advocating for the ban on shesha, a substance that has raised significant health and safety concerns. The Foundation’s mission is centered on promoting community welfare and ensuring the well-being of citizens. The decision by lawmakers to endorse the petition reflect their commitment to prioritizing public health and safety.
“We are profoundly grateful for the swift action and consideration shown by the Members of the House of Representatives,” said CEO Maxson Kpakio. “Their support is a testament to their dedication to the welfare of our communities and the protection of our citizens from harmful substances like shesha. Together, we are taking a significant step towards creating a safer environment for all Liberians.”
Speaking at his rehab residence on Wednesday,March 26,2025 the Restoring Hope Foundation boss urged the public and other stakeholders to remain informed and engaged as the legislative process unfolds.
“The Foundation remains committed to advocating for policies that enhance public health and well-being, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and valued,”he added.
He said shisha (or hookah) smoke can be toxic and it is often a misconception for users as well as would be users to assume that it is less harmful than cigarette smoke. While many people assume that the water in the shisha pipe filters out harmful substances, studies have shown that this is not the case.
Shisha smoke contains a variety of harmful substances, including: a combination of tobacco prepared in molasses and flavored with fruit flavors. Shisha smoke contains large amounts of nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar and other toxins. The water in the shisha does not remove any of the toxins. The fruit flavor does not make it a healthy choice.
According to him shisha typically contains tobacco, which is known to contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. The tobacco is often mixed with flavorings and molasses.
Furthermore, the charcoal used to heat the tobacco can produce carbon monoxide, which is harmful to human health as well. Like cigarette smoke, shisha smoke contains tar and many of the same toxins and carcinogens. He furthered that depending on the source of the charcoal, shisha smoke can contain heavy metals such as lead.
In addition,Shisha smoke can contain ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues.
The perception that shisha smoking is a safer alternative to cigarettes can lead to increased health risks over time. It’s important for users to be aware of these risks and the potential health consequences associated with shisha use.
Edited : Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
