Smokeless tobacco products such as gutka or khaini are harmful to health. A group of Indian scientists has completed detailed profiling of toxic substances and carcinogens found in these smokeless tobacco products available globally. As of now, they have identified 233 unique chemical compounds from 82 types of chewing tobacco products. 68 of these are carcinogenic. The information available in this unique database will be valuable for various stakeholders to formulate policies for the prevention and control of smokeless tobacco products as well as address the diseases caused by them.
Source: Vigyanprasar
