What are bidis?
Bidis, also spelled beedis, are similar to cigarettes. But instead of paper, they are rolled in dried temburini leaves and tied at one or both ends with colorful threads. There are no filters in bidis. They are usually flavored with popular flavors like vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, etc. They are very popular in south and southeast Asian countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, India and some other countries. They are popular among students in the U.S..
Bidi smoking and oral cancer — Is there a link?
Bidis have been found to release greater amounts of carbon monoxide and tar than regular cigarettes. Also, beedis release a lot more toxins into the body than regular cigarettes due to the absence of filters. They also deliver greater amounts of nicotine when smoked. Tobacco use increases the risk of oral cancer in general. Therefore, bidis, just like cigarettes and other tobacco products, increase the risk of oral cancer due to their tobacco content.
There has been a lot of research done on the link between smoking bidis and oral cancer. Although some studies have shown that there is a clear link between smoking bidis and being affected by oral cancer, this had not been ascertained till recently. But when a systematic review of various research studies was done, it was found that there was definitely a direct link between bidi smoking and increased risk of oral cancer. Bidi smokers had a higher risk of these cancers as compared to both non-smokers as well as cigarette smokers, although the latter is still not completely proven.
Bidis generally are flavored with strong flavors like chocolate and vanilla that mask the flavor of tobacco. This is the reason why there are strict rules and regulations in the United States and Canada regarding sale and use of flavored tobacco, bidis being covered under this.
It is best to stay away from all forms of tobacco as tobacco has been proven to be detrimental to health. If you are already a smoker, you could try and quit. There are a number of cessation programs and techniques available that you could use. Whatever may be the path you choose, it will definitely be worth it if it leads to a tobacco-free life.
