Vardhan for ban on sale of smokeless tobacco products

NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has appealed to all states and Union Territories to ban sale of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places in

line with the orders of the Rajasthan and Jharkhand governments to prevent the spread of Coronavirus infection.

In a letter to all state health ministers, Vardhan said smoke

less tobacco users have a tendency to spit in public places or otherwise and therefore, increase health risks especially those of spreading contagious diseases like COVID-19, tuberculosis, swine flu, encephalitis and others.

"Use of smokeless tobacco also creates an unhygienic environment which further spreads the diseases. Large gathering at the retail outlets where smokeless tobacco products are sold, also pose the risk of spread of COVID-19," he said.

In the letter dated May 11, the Union minister underlined that tobacco use is a major threat to public health globally. He also mentioned the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) appeal to the public not to consume and spit smokeless tobacco products in public places.

Chewing tobacco products and areca nut increases production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the COVID-19, Vardhan said.

"By banning spitting in public places, states and UTS can help in achieving not only Swachh Bharat but also Swasth Bharat (Clean India and Healthy India)," he said.