A bidi is a small brown cigarette, often flavored, that consists of hand-rolled tobacco in tendu or temburni leaf tied with string at one end. India is the primary producer of bidis. The Federal Trade Commission requires that they carry the Surgeon General's health risk warning
Bidis are not safe alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Research has found that a bidi produces three times the amount of carbon monoxide and nicotine and more than five times the amount of tar contained in one traditional cigarette.
Bidi smokers are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and cancers of the lung, larynx, mouth, esophagus, pharynx, and liver. Smoking bidis while pregnant can cause perinatal death.
There are no national statistics on the use of bidis in the U.S., but anecdotal reports show that they are gaining in popularity, particularly among the young.
According to a Massachusetts study, bidis are preferred over cigarettes because they taste better, they are cheaper, and easier to buy. They are also perceived to be safer than cigarettes. |
