Tribune News Network
Doha
More than 25 kilograms of prohibited chewing tobacco has been seized from a shipment of coconuts and lemons at the Hamad Port, the General Authority of Customs has said.
The seizure was made by the Martime Customs Department at the Hamad Port, the authority said in a tweet.
The contraband weighed a total of 25.2396 kilograms.
Chewing tobacco comes as loose leaves, plugs, or twists of dried tobacco that may be flavored. They are chewed or placed between the cheek and gum or teeth. The nicotine in tobacco is absorbed through the mouth tissues. The user then spits out (or swallows) the tobacco 'juices.'
People who dip or chew get about the same amount of nicotine as people who smoke regularly. They are also exposed to more than 25 chemicals that are known to cause cancer. The most harmful cancer-causing substances in smokeless tobacco are tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). TSNA levels vary by product, but the higher the level the greater the cancer risk.
Many studies have shown high rates of leukoplakia in the mouth where users place their chew or dip. Leukoplakia is a gray-white patch in the mouth that can become cancerous. These patches can’t be scraped off. They’re sometimes called sores but are usually painless. The longer a person uses oral tobacco, the more likely they are to have leukoplakia. Stopping tobacco might help clear up the spot, but treatment may be needed if there are signs of early cancer.