The above-mentioned topic strictly touches upon three aspects in this article, namely: tobacco, tobacco and tobacco.

In the first aspect, let us discuss about cigarettes or bidis. The most common form of the tobacco is cigarettes and bidis and everybody is aware of their negative impacts. Hence, it is wise to discuss about one possible alternative to cigarettes, ie, e-cigarette.

An e-cigarette or electronic cigarette is a battery-powered device that provides inhaled doses of nicotine by way of a vapourised solution. It is an alternative to smoked tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. In addition to proposed nicotine delivery, this vapour also provides a flavour and physical sensation similar to that of inhaled tobacco smoke, while no tobacco, smoke, or combustion is actually involved in its operation. The e-cigarette generally employs the same basic components: a mouthpiece, a heating element, a rechargeable battery and various electronic circuits. The mouthpiece is a smaller plastic cup which holds an absorbent material that is saturated with a flavoured liquid solution that may contain nicotine.

The heating element serves to vaporise the liquid in the mouthpiece so that it can be inhaled. Most electronic cigarettes employ a lithium-ion rechargeable battery to power the heating element. Many different battery charger types are available, viz, wall outlet, car and USB chargers. Nicotine solutions usually consist of nicotine diluted in propylene glycol or glycerin (both common food additives). Dosage generally follows the same patterns as ultra-light, light and regular strength cigarettes. Some flavour varieties attempt to mimic some traditional cigarettes like regular tobacco and menthol and some try mimicking brands like Marlboro or Camel. Solutions are also available with other flavourings, viz, mint, banana, papaya, strawberry, vanilla, caramel, orange and coffee.
 

Although developed in 2003, the health effects of using electronic cigarettes are currently obscure.

In a recent online survey, it was found that e-cigarette substitution for tobacco cigarettes resulted in perceived health benefits (less cough, higher ability to do exercise and a better sense of taste and smell).
 

Government should encourage promotion of herbal cigarettes or herbal bidis. These are non-tobacco, nicotine free herbal products, which are mixture of many rare herbs, wrapped in dry Tendu leaves. This move will likely facilitate in curbing pollution up to some extent and would also be helpful for asthmatic patients.
 

In the second aspect, let us discuss tobacco in terms of chewing gutkas.
 

Gutkas are also devils in disguise in addition to cigarettes. Marketed as a mouth freshener, gutkas are made up of crushed betel nut, tobacco, catechu, lime and sweet or spicy flavourers. The preparation is designed to bring out a chemical reaction in the user’s mouth that makes it an addictive statement by the user. However, most consumers believe that the blended spices and flavours don’t make it a destructive product! As per the users, gutkas act as mild stimulants and gives confidence like cigarettes. Some say they just chew gutkas to pass spare time. But, it should be noted that chewing gutkas is responsible for oral cancer and other related diseases.
 

As the different social customs in India don’t allow children or teen to smoke bidis or cigarettes, hence children take up gutkas as these are less priced and can be consumed without much knowledge of others compared to other tobacco products. As a consequence they exhibit an early precancerous lesion, which some day or the other lead to oral cancer. Additionally, dipping tobacco is also another form of practice wherein a small clump of tobacco is placed in between the gum and the lids.

Gutkas should be highly taxed so that the medium class people can get rid of the associated negative health aspects. There is no way of banning gutkas, as it should be noted that in 2002, the Mumbai High Court had overruled Maharashtra government’s decision to ban gutkas.

In its last form, tobacco can be inhaled as snuff (in the form of smokeless tobacco) through the nose. Smokeless tobacco has accumulated popularity in the last two decades. There is yet another form of tobacco, ie, tobacco paste. Earlier, tobacco paste was marketed in a tin can and was mostly promoted to the rural women in India. These days, tobacco paste is being marketed in toothpaste tubes.

People from all walks of life should come forward and join hands together with NGOs and government to curb the menace of tobacco. There should not be any new tobacco addict and the existing addict should be converted to a normal person to lead a normal life. This way our society will get some relief from the tobacco menace.