Cameroon bans shisha smoking

Authorities say the ban is as a result of the danger that the tobacco-based substance poses to the mostly young people who use it in bars and at home.

Health Ministry records show that some 46% of young Cameroonians smoke shisha - which typically comprises a mix of tobacco, molasses, glycerine and flavourings.

According to the British Heart Foundation, an hour-long shisha session can be the equivalent of smoking more than 100 cigarettes.

Despite that caution, most shisha smokers believe that its impact is less as compared to cigarettes but medic have described that as a 'misconception.'

"Traditionally shisha tobacco contains cigarette tobacco, so like cigarettes it contains nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead," it says.

Cameroon is not alone in the ban, a number of African countries have in recent years imposed a ban on shisha smoking citing health risks.