BETEL NUTS
August 1st, 2003
BY KEITH NUTHALLA WORLD Health Organisation (WHO) agency has concluded that chewing betel quid causes cancer, whether or not tobacco is included in the 'pan' mix especially popular with ethnic south Asians. It came to the same conclusion regarding another popular chewing ingredient, the areca nut. 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). A WHO note said that in some communities a large majority chew betel and areca, with children weened onto the habit ...
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