Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Bring A Legislation Banning Production, Sale And Use Of Pan Masalas In The ... on 6 December, 2010
> Title : Need to bring a legislation banning production, sale and use of Pan Masalas in the country.
SHRI ANTO ANTONY (PATHANAMATHITTA): I request the Government to take urgent steps to ban the production and sale of pan masalas. A detailed study on the contents of Pan masalas reveals that there is presence of toxic substances such as arsenic, hydrocarbons etc. Moreover, some kind of Pan masalas contains psychotropic substances like heroine. Various studies have also proved the presence of pesticides and addictive substances.
Despite toxic presence in Pan Masalas, people especially adolescents are being addicted to it. Recent report from the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram shows that majority of its patients are adolescents suffering from oral cancer due to the use of pan masala. A recent study from Chennai indicates that oral cancers are quite common among auto-rickshaw drivers who use pan masala regularly. Similar cases are also reported from various parts of the country. In addition to its ill effects on physical health, use of pan masala affects mental health also.
Many States in the country have banned the use of pan masala. But the growing number of its users show that mere ban on the use of pan masala is not enough to eradicate this menace from our society. Rather we have to have a comprehensive law to ban the production, sale and the use of pan masala. I, therefore, request the Government to introduce a Bill in this regard.