BETEL NUT CONCERN
August 1st, 2003
BY KEITH NUTHALL
A WORLD Health Organisation (WHO) agency has concluded that chewing betel quid causes oral cancer, whether or not tobacco is included in 'pan' mixes especially popular with ethnic south Asians. The problem is of particular concern in the UK, which imports more betel than any country outside of Asia, (imports have doubled since the early 80's). The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer also concluded that areca nuts, another popular chewing ingredient, cause oral submucous fibrosis (a pre-cancerous condition).
A WORLD Health Organisation (WHO) agency has concluded that chewing betel quid causes oral cancer, whether or not tobacco is included in 'pan' mixes especially popular with ethnic south Asians. The problem is of particular concern in the UK, which imports more betel than any country outside of Asia, (imports have doubled since the early 80's). The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer also concluded that areca nuts, another popular chewing ingredient, cause oral submucous fibrosis (a pre-cancerous condition).
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