John Abraham Criticizes Actors Supporting Paan-Masala, Side Effects That Causes These Cancers In Your Body

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John Abraham, known for his strict health and fitness routine, criticised actors endorsing 'paan masala' brands. He expressed his views during a podcast with Ranveer Allahabadia on YouTube. John compared these endorsements to promoting harmful products that can lead to severe health issues.

In the podcast, John stated, "If I live my life with honesty, and if I practice what I preach, then I'm a role model. But if I'm presenting a fake version of myself in the public and behaving like a different person behind their back, they'll spot it." He emphasised that endorsing such products contradicts the principles of promoting health and fitness.

John further added, "People talk about fitness, and the same people endorse paan masala. I love all my actor friends and I'm not disrespecting any of them. I want to make it clear that I'm talking about myself. But I will not sell death because it's a matter of principle. Do you know that the yearly turnover for the paan masala industry is ₹45,000 crore? Which means that even the government is supporting it, and that's why it isn't illegal. You're selling death. How can you live with it?"

The actor's criticism comes after Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar faced backlash for featuring in paan masala advertisements. Akshay Kumar later announced he would no longer participate in such promotions.

Here is what The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) says on how it affects different parts of body.

'There are 3095 chemical components in smokeless tobacco products (including gutkha), among them 28 are proven carcinogen. The major and most abundant group of carcinogens is the tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNA) and no safe level of this chemical has been ascribed so far (Annexure 1 (b)). Other carcinogens reportedly present in smokeless tobacco include volatile N-nitrosamines, certain volatile aldehydes, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, certain lactones, urethane, metals, and radioactive polonium,' says a report by NIHFW.

A detailed laboratory report on the constituents of different brands of smokeless tobacco available in India had reported substantive quantities of two potent carcinogens (nitrosamines and benzo-a-pyrene) and heavy metals in most of these products. Other studies have also demonstrated the presence of high levels of heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Arsenic and Nickel) in these products (Annexure 7 - 9), with one study reporting almost 30% of gutkha brand samples exceeding the permissible levels of heavy metals Lead and Copper, when compared to the provisional tolerable intake limits determined by the FAO/WHO.

Tobacco Consumption In India

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey India (GATS India) is the global standard for systematic monitoring of adult tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) in the country. The survey, conducted in 2009-10 by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) Mumbai, covered about 99.9 % of the total population of India. Its findings revealed that more than one-third (35%) of adults in India used tobacco in some form or the other.

Among them, 21 % adults used only smokeless tobacco, 9 % only smoke, and 5 % smoke as well as smokeless tobacco. Based on these, the estimated number of tobacco users in India was 274.9 million, with 163.7 million users of only smokeless tobacco, 68.9 million only smokers, and 42.3 million users of both smoking and smokeless tobacco. The prevalence of overall tobacco use among males was 48 % and among females 20 %, while the use of smokeless tobacco products among males (33%) was higher than among females (18%). The quit ratio for the use of smokeless tobacco use was 5%.

However, from GATS-1 (2009-10) to GATS-2 (2016-2017) shows the prevalence of tobacco in India has decreased significantly by sx percentage points - 34.6% to 28.6%, and the proportion of households in which smoking is allowed, has decreased from 60.4% to 48.8%.

Cancerous Diseases/Conditions

1. Oral cancer

A large number of studies from India provide consistent results of an increased risk of oral cancer with the use of different forms of smokeless tobacco used in the country (Gutkha, mishri, gudaku, khaini, etc). Similar results are seen in International studies and reviews including the IARC monograph. There is also good evidence to suggest that the risk of developing oral cancer is directly associated with the duration and frequency of tobacco usage.

2. Stomach Cancer

Few Indian and International studies were identified that have reported an increased risk of stomach cancer with the usage of smokeless tobacco.

3. Pancreatic Cancer

All the relevant studies identified for this topic have been conducted outside India and their results indicate a strong association between smokeless tobacco and pancreatic cancer. The association was significant even after adjustment for other variables.

4. Throat (pharynx and larynx) Cancer

Results from different studies suggest an increased risk of pharyngeal cancer and/or laryngeal cancer with the use of different forms of smokeless tobacco. Two studies also observed a strong dose-response relationship between chewable tobacco and risk of pharyngeal cancer.

5. Renal cancer

Most of the studies included in the IARC monograph have reported an increased risk of renal cell cancer by 3-4 times with the use of smokeless tobacco.

Results from some studies indicate an increased risk of all-cause mortality or all-cancer mortality in smokeless tobacco users compared to non-users, and the increased risk was seen predominantly in female users. In addition, one Swedish study has reported an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease among the users.

Non Cancerous Diseases/Conditions

1. Oro-dental health

All the Indian studies identified under this section have shown a close association between smokeless tobacco usage and different types of periodontal diseases (inflammation, gingival recession and bleeding, staining, tooth loss) and/or caries. A review of oral mucosal disorders associated with gutkha usage also found an increased risk of peri-odontal inflammation.

2. Hypertension & Cardiovascular diseases

Results from several studies indicate that regular use of smokeless tobacco increases the risk of hypertension (Annexure 81 - 86) and that of cardiovascular disease (Annexure 82, 84, 86, 87). A systematic review of observational studies from Sweden and USA has also shown an increased risk of fatal myocardial infarction (Annexure 88).

3. Nervous system diseases

Two large studies have found a significant association between the use of smokeless tobacco and the risk of fatal cerebrovascular stroke (or stroke).

4. Metabolic abnormalities

A study from Sweden reported a significant association between high-dose consumption of snus/snuff and metabolic syndrome which is defined as 3 or more abnormalities of abdominal obesity, high cholesterol level, high triglycerides level, hypertension, and diabetes or hyperglycemia (Annexure 91). Another study has found increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels among smokeless tobacco users.

5. Reproductive health

Multiple studies have reported adverse effects of smokeless tobacco on the reproductive health of men and women during pregnancy. A study of Indian men attending an infertility clinic reported a strong association with a decrease in sperm quality and sperm count, while another study found an increased risk of cervical lesions in women. Its use during pregnancy is reported to be associated with an increased incidence of birth complications and anemia, increased risk of fetal loss, and a higher incidence of preterm babies and low-birth-weight babies.

Other diseases (Gastro-intestinal and Respiratory)

Results from few studies have found increased prevalence of benign gastrointestinal diseases (oesophagitis, sub-mucous fibrosis) in smokeless tobacco users. Moreover it has been associated with chronic bronchitis and impaired lung function with chronic use.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.