Beedi

Beedi (also spelled bidi or bidi cigarette) is a thin, Indian cigarette filled with tobacco flake and wrapped in a tendu or possibly even Piliostigma racemosum leaf tied with a string at one end. The name is derived from the Marwari word beeda—a mixture of betel nuts, herbs, and spices wrapped in a leaf.

History

The production of beedis was an important source of employment in India during the early 20th century, particularly in the states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The industry began to decline in the 1960s and 1970s, but it remains an important part of the Indian economy.

Health effects

Like all tobacco products, beedis are a health risk to those who smoke them. In India, beedi smoking tends to be associated with a lower socioeconomic status. Health effects include a risk of developing various forms of cancer, including oral cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and esophageal cancer. Beedis are also associated with other health problems, including heart disease and tuberculosis.

Regulation

In India, beedis are regulated under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which includes restrictions on advertising and promotion, as well as labeling requirements. However, enforcement of these regulations is inconsistent.

See also

• Tobacco smoking
• Cigarette
• Cigar
• Tobacco industry in India

External links

• WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2011

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  Beedi bundle

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  Beedi factory near Nileshwaram, Kerala, India

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  Making beedis