A senior neurosurgeon, Dr Hadi Mohammed Abdullah, has cautioned young people and pregnant women against using e-cigarettes, warning that exposure to metals released by the devices could have serious consequences for brain development. He noted that although e-cigarettes may not contain all the harmful substances associated with conventional cigarettes and shisha, their long-term health effects are not yet fully understood and should not be underestimated.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, November 6, during a discussion on the topic, “Shisha: Status Symbol or Slow Poison”, Dr Abdullah cited research raising concerns about the presence of potentially harmful metals, including nickel, cadmium and lead, in some e-cigarette products. He explained that exposure to these substances could be particularly harmful to children, whose brains are still undergoing development.
Dr Abdullah stressed that e-cigarettes are relatively new products and that more research is needed to establish their long-term health implications. He therefore urged young people and parents to exercise caution, particularly as social media continues to influence the growing popularity of e-cigarette use among young people.
The neurosurgeon further disclosed that some children examined during autopsies had been found with elevated levels of metals such as nickel, cadmium and lead, which he associated with materials used in e-cigarette devices. He warned that exposure to lead during critical stages of brain development could cause significant neurological damage.
Dr Abdullah also advised pregnant women to avoid shisha, e-cigarettes and other forms of smoking to protect their unborn babies from potential harm.
How shisha contributes to nicotine addiction
Explaining the effects of shisha on the brain, Dr Abdullah said nicotine enters the bloodstream through the respiratory system and can reach the heart and brain within seconds. He noted that nicotine activates receptors associated with dopamine, a chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward, while also stimulating the release of adrenaline.
According to him, this process produces temporary feelings of pleasure and excitement, encouraging users to continue smoking and increasing their risk of developing nicotine dependence. He explained that the pleasurable sensation associated with increased dopamine levels creates a cycle in which users repeatedly seek the same experience, making it difficult to stop.
Dr Abdullah urged individuals who are developing a dependence on shisha to recognise the associated health risks and seek professional medical support.
Water and flavours do not make shisha harmless
The neurosurgeon also dismissed the perception that shisha is safe because its smoke passes through water before being inhaled. He explained that the water primarily cools the smoke, making it easier for users to inhale larger quantities without experiencing the irritation commonly associated with conventional cigarettes. He further identified the flavours added to shisha as another factor contributing to the misconception that the product is harmless or does not contain tobacco.
Dr Abdullah maintained that the pleasant taste and reduced harshness of shisha smoke do not eliminate its harmful substances or make it safer to consume. He cautioned that users could, in fact, inhale significant quantities of harmful substances despite the cooling effect of the water and the addition of flavours.
Asthma patients urged to avoid shisha and e-cigarettes
Dr Abdullah has also warned people living with asthma against using shisha and e-cigarettes, citing the potential for severe respiratory complications. He said some asthma patients had experienced serious health consequences after using the products, with cases reportedly requiring admission to intensive care units.
He therefore urged people with asthma to stay away from both smoking alternatives, stressing that neither should be considered a safe option for individuals with existing respiratory conditions.
