Bidis: Understanding the Risks of Bidi Cigarettes

Important Notice: As of December 20, 2019, the legal age limit for purchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products in the United States is 21 years old.

Introduction

Bidis, commonly known as beedis, are hand-rolled cigarettes containing unprocessed tobacco wrapped in tendu or temburni leaves. Primarily produced in India and various Southeast Asian countries, bidis have gained a global presence. While they enjoy popularity in India due to their accessibility and lower cost compared to conventional cigarettes, it's essential to recognize that bidis pose serious health risks comparable to other cigarettes, including death due to lung and heart diseases.

Understanding Bidis

Bidis have gained popularity among young individuals due to their distinctive appearance, enticing flavors, and easy availability. These cigarettes are often tied with colorful strings and come in different flavors, appealing to children. Health authorities sometimes refer to these cigarettes as "cigarettes with training wheels," emphasizing their allure to young smokers.

Manufacturing Process of Bidis

Bidis are traditionally manufactured in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The process involves hand-rolling unprocessed tobacco in tendu or temburni leaves, both native to Asia. The cigarettes are then frequently tied with colorful strings.

Health Hazards Associated with Bidis

Bidis present several health risks that may even surpass those associated with regular commercial cigarettes produced in the U.S.:

• Higher Nicotine Content: Bidis contain 3 to 5 times more nicotine than conventional cigarettes, escalating the risk of nicotine addiction.

• Increased Tar and Carbon Monoxide: Bidis possess higher levels of tar and carbon monoxide compared to regular cigarettes.

• Harmful Toxins: Bidis lack additives present in regular cigarettes that aid combustion, resulting in higher toxin levels. Smokers need to draw on bidis more frequently and vigorously to prevent them from extinguishing, leading to increased exposure to toxins.

• Cancer and Chronic Disease Risks: Bidi smoking elevates the risk of oral cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and esophageal cancer. Furthermore, it triples the risk of heart disease and heart attack compared to nonsmokers. Additionally, bidi smoking is linked to emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Nicotine Content in Bidis

Studies have revealed that bidis contain approximately 21.2 mg/g of nicotine, significantly higher than the 16.3 mg/g found in conventional filtered cigarettes. This increased nicotine content contributes to the heightened risk of nicotine dependence among bidi smokers.

Legal Status of Bidis in the U.S.

In 1999, state attorneys general urged Congress and federal authorities to prohibit the import of bidis into the U.S. due to concerns about their health risks.

In February 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action, ordering four brands of bidis to be removed from the market: Sutra Bidis, Sutra Bidis Red, Sutra Bidis Menthol, and Sutra Bidis Red Cone. The manufacturer had failed to provide documentation demonstrating that these products did not pose new or different health concerns for the general public.

This action marked the first tobacco ban under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which empowered the FDA to regulate tobacco products in the United States. While bidis can still be purchased online, their popularity has significantly declined in the U.S. following this ban.

Quitting Bidi Smoking

Bidis pose significant harm to human health and should not be considered a safe alternative to regular cigarettes. Parents should actively educate their children about the dangers of bidi cigarettes and smoking to safeguard them from these harmful products.

If you want to stop smoking bidis or other tobacco products, here are some helpful steps:

• Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your plans with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice, effective quitting strategies, and possibly prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings.

• Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT products, such as gum, lozenges, sprays, and patches, can help gradually reduce nicotine intake, minimizing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

• Plan for Cravings: Cravings are common when quitting smoking. Having a strategy to deal with them can increase your chances of success. Strategies include taking a walk, listening to music, calling a supportive friend, or engaging in a distracting activity.

• Be Patient and Care for Yourself: Quitting smoking is challenging, but patience and self-care are key. Celebrate your successes along the way. Get adequate rest, maintain physical activity, and ensure a balanced diet.

• Seek Support: Friends, family, and support groups can provide invaluable resources during your quitting journey. Consider using a quit-smoking app to stay on track and motivated.

Remember, quitting smoking bidis or any other tobacco product is a positive step towards improving your health and well-being. With determination and support, you can achieve your goal of a smoke-free life.