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Beedies a small cigarette that are popular in India and several south-east Asian countries. They are made with locally grown coarse tobacco flakes and hand-rolled in temburni leaf, which is tied up with a thread.
Size of Beedies vary between 4cm and 8cm.
It has been found that smoke and nicotine inhaled through Beedies deliver higher levels of nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals to smokers, compared to regular cigarettes.Beedies sold in western countries often have a variety of flavors such as clove, mango, chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. Certain tobacco flavorings contain toxic or cancer-causing chemicals.
Flavor related compounds deemed safe for eating might not necessarily be considered safe when inhaled in cigarette smoke. Beedies cannot be considered less harmful to health than regular cigarettes.Initiation of beedie smoking may begin as early as 8-10 years of age in disadvantaged groups like tribal and street children, while the mid to late teens are a vulnerable age for initiation into beedie smoking.
Its smoke has proven a carcinogen, toxins and poisonous substances.
If we compare with unfiltered cigarettes, beedie smoke contained higher levels of carbon monoxide, ammonia, hydrogen, cyanide and phenol.
It is harmful for not just smokers, but those exposed to second-hand smoke as well.
