Poor labelling on chewing on chewing tobacco products is putting people’s health at risk, the BBC reports. A report from the Race Equality Foundation and the Action on Smoking Monte Carlo and Health (ASH) foundation reveals that more than 80% of chewable tobacco products are sold with inadequate labelling or health warnings.
Many do not even state whether they contain tobacco. Chewable tobacco is particularly popular amongst ethnic minorities from South Asian countries such as Bangladesh. A large number of immigrants from these countries are hooked on chewing tobacco, in the form of paan, the BBC reports, but many underestimate the health risks they pose. Chewing tobacco has been linked with gum cancer, mouth disease and heart disease, and is highly addictive.
The NHS website gives the following advice regarding paan: “Many families enjoy chewing tobacco in paan at home. You don’t need to spoil this tradition by stopping the ritual altogether – try chewing paan without the tobacco in it. This is much safer and you won’t be putting yourself or your family at risk.”
Chewing tobacco carries many of the same health risks as smoking. Quitting smoking is not easy, but with the right help, it is never too late to give up the habit. Speak to a trained medical professional for more advice about smoking cessation options. The benefits of quitting are huge; you will reduce your chances of developing serious illnesses, boost your finances, improve your fertility and enhance your general fitness.