Paan And Gutkha: Just The Facts
It’s not just cigarettes, cigars and shisha pipes that contain tobacco.
Some people use tobacco that isn’t smoked, but is taken via products that are chewed or sucked. They are popular in places like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but are also used in the UK.
These products come in different forms including Betel quid, Paan and Gutkha, Zarda and Khaini.
What’s in them?
Usually they contain sliced areca nut, slaked lime, a variety of herbs and spice and may also contain tobacco. This is wrapped in a betel leaf, which is then put in the mouth.
Are they dangerous?
Most types of chewing tobacco contain around 28 different chemicals that can cause cancer. Just because the tobacco isn’t smoked, doesn’t make it safe. It can increase the risk of a number of diseases including heart disease and mouth cancer.
If the mixture does contain tobacco, the nicotine can make people addicted, making it a hard habit to break. Even if the product doesn’t contain tobacco people can find it very hard to stop chewing because it has become a habit.
Betel (areca) nut itself can also cause mouth cancer, even if no tobacco is added.
How to get help
If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.
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Find out what services are available to you in your area. Remember your school nurse is always there to give you confidential help and support.
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TEXT YOUR SCHOOL NURSE
You can always contact your school nurse by visiting them in school. Or alternatively you can text them on our mobile messaging service.
The text messaging working hours are Monday to Friday from 09:00am to 5:00pm. Your message will be seen during those hours after which we respond most quickly to messages that need urgent attention, and we aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. If you need urgent help in the meantime, contact your doctor, visit a NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. If it is an emergency, dial 999 or visit A&E.
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Services
Find out what other tobacco support services are available to you in your area.
