Haryana’s Health Minister Anil Vij has announced that the state government has completely banned the manufacturing and sale of gutka and pan masala, and other similar products containing tobacco. The ban also includes mix of other ingredients such as heavy metals and anti-caking agents, except to the extent of specifically permitted ingredients, silver leaf, binders, flavours, scents and fragrances.
Gutka and Pan Masala - The Killers
- Gutka is a combination of lime, tobacco, betel nut, flavorings and catechu.
- Gutka is consumed by placing a pinch of it between the gum and cheek and gently sucking and chewing.
- It is considered responsible for oral cancer The carcinogenic(cancer causing agents) alkaloids in betel nut are made even more dangerous by the inclusion of tobacco and lime in gutkha.
- Large doses of gutkha can cause a cocaine-like state of intoxication. Symptoms of gutkha intoxication include dilated pupils, amnesia, psychosis, confusion, impaired judgment and euphoria.
- Like most stimulants, gutkha can adversely affect the cardiovascular system.
- Gutka is the very popular because of its low cost.
- Smokeless tobacco contains higher concentration of nicotine (a powerful addictive) which makes difficult to quit it than quitting cigarettes.
Test Your Knowledge
__________ was the first state to ban Gutka under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition & Restrictions on sales) Regulation 2011.
What was the theme of World Cancer Day 2015?
