Source: www.rochdaleonline.co.uk
Author: staff

Local health experts are warning the Asian community that an after-dinner treat offered to family and friends could have deadly consequences.

Chewing tobacco is a hidden killer say experts, because people do not know it can cause cancer.

Dr Amjad Hussain from the NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Oral Health Promotion Department said: “Chewing tobacco has many disguises, such as paan masala, gutkha and bidis, and is often offered to guests at family events and on social occasions.

“Its bright, professional packaging hides its deadly potential. People may not even realise it’s tobacco, it’s addictive and, like cigarette tobacco, contains many cancer-causing carcinogens. As it is chewed, people keep it in the mouth for a long time increasing the risk of mouth cancer.

“Mouth cancer is also one of the more difficult cancers to treat effectively. So people need to know the risks and be visiting their dentists regularly so any signs can be spotted early.”

To highlight the risks, and reduce the harm chewing tobacco can do, council and NHS health experts recently joined forces to host an event at Rochdale’s Bangladesh Association Community Project.

At the event, Centre Manager Mr Habibul Ahad said: “I have chewed paan masala for a good many years. After dinner, I’ll often sit on the settee with a jar of paan masala beside me. It’s something I do while I relax and talk – a social pastime.

“I was shocked at how harmful chewing tobacco can be. My mother-in-law has offered me a new pack recently but I’m not going to open it. Now I hope to check my temptation and stop using it altogether.”

To be sold legally there must be clear warning notices on packaging and in stores. Like cigarettes, it must not be sold to under 18s.

Rochdale Borough Council Consumer Protection Manager, Andy Glover said: “We are keen to work with local traders to help make sure that they know what chewing tobacco is, the harm it can cause and the warnings that they must give to their customers about it. We also want to tackle the illegal trade in chewing tobacco as we are very worried that it is being offered to children.”