What is Naswar and How Dangerous Is It?

Throughout the world, many cultures have a history of using tobacco in a non-smoking form, primarily by sniffing, chewing, or sucking. This practice varies across different regions and goes by various names. For instance, in Africa, it’s referred to as “tumbak” while in South America, “chimo” is the choice. Australians have “pituri” Swedes use “snus” and Asians opt for “nasvay”.

In certain countries, the production and sale of nasvay are banned due to its rapid onset of nicotine addiction, the potential to trigger esophageal and oral cavity cancers, as well as conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis, and other health issues. It’s also a substance that can lead to accidental poisoning.

Let’s delve into what nasvay is and the health risks associated with it.

Understanding Nasvay (Naswar)

Naswar or Nasvay is a form of smokeless tobacco, composed of a damp, green or brown powder derived from crushed tobacco leaves with added ingredients. This product is most popular in Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, India, and several others.

Nasvay is often manufactured on a small scale by family-run enterprises and is typically sold in bulk by weight or in plastic bags weighing up to 100 grams. In many Asian countries, it’s easily accessible at local markets, small private shops, or online platforms. In Pakistan, it’s even served at family gatherings, sometimes considered a “dessert.”

In Russia, the production and sale of nasvay are strictly forbidden. However, in some former Soviet Union countries, such as Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, it is legally permitted, which might result in nasvay making its way into Russian territory from neighboring states.

What’s in Naswar?

Nasvay is made up of four key elements:

1. Crushed tobacco leaves from the Nicotiana rustica plant, also referred to as Aztec tobacco, mahorka, or strong tobacco. These leaves contain higher nicotine levels compared to the tobacco used in cigarettes.
2. Calcium hydroxide, known as slaked lime, and wood ash. These substances enhance nicotine absorption by creating an alkaline environment in the mouth.
3. Aromatic additives, including dried fruits, spices, and flavorings. The most popular varieties often feature cardamom and menthol for added flavor.
4. Vegetable oil, typically cottonseed oil, and water. These ingredients give the mixture its pliable texture, allowing it to be formed into small balls that hold together in the mouth.

Since nasvay is usually produced in small-scale, artisanal settings, its precise composition can vary. There may be as many as fifty different variations, and sometimes it’s custom-made to cater to individual preferences.

How Nasvay Works

Nasvay is transformed into small pellets from powdered tobacco and is placed either under the cheek or beneath the tongue. It’s important to note that Nasvay is not meant to be chewed, and after 15-30 minutes, it is then expelled from the mouth.

While Nasvay is in the mouth, it tends to trigger an increase in saliva production, causing users to frequently spit out saliva, which often takes on the characteristic color of Nasvay.

The primary active ingredient in Nasvay is nicotine. In simpler terms, the effects of using Nasvay are akin to those of smoking. However, the intensity can be greater, given that more nicotine enters the bloodstream from smokeless tobacco.

Different varieties of Nasvay typically contain an average of 7.35 to 26.7 mg of nicotine per 1 gram. Some data even suggests that this figure can be higher. The exact quantity of nicotine absorbed from a Nasvay portion is not well-established.

To put it in perspective, a standard cigarette contains 14 mg of nicotine, of which only 1-1.5 mg is absorbed. In other words, an average Nasvay portion is roughly equivalent to at least three to four cigarettes.

Nicotine from smokeless tobacco is absorbed more efficiently into the bloodstream compared to smoking, as it permeates the oral mucosa more rapidly. Consequently, for individuals who do not smoke, trying Nasvay can result in dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and weakness. In fact, experimenting with Nasvay is more likely to produce unpleasant effects for them compared to trying a cigarette for the first time.

Regular nicotine users have varying responses to Nasvay: some may find it mildly stimulating, while others may use it as a means to relax.

How Nasvai Impacts Health with Regular Use

In recent years, scientists have begun to investigate the health effects of Nasvai, shedding light on its potential risks. This smokeless tobacco product is found to be highly addictive due to its high nicotine content, which rapidly enters the bloodstream upon use.

Nasvai also contains approximately thirty harmful compounds, including:

1. Nitrosamines, known as tobacco-specific carcinogens.
2. Arsenic, with some data suggesting it exceeds safe levels.
3. Heavy metals such as cadmium, polonium, beryllium, nickel, and chromium.

In certain variations of Nasvai, remnants of ash from unidentified incinerators used for burning waste have been discovered, replacing the high-quality wood ash.

Several studies have linked Nasvai to an increased risk of esophageal and oral cancers. While the precise connection between Nasvai and cancer isn’t yet fully understood and requires further research, similar smokeless tobacco products have been definitively linked to cancer risk, suggesting a potential correlation.

In addition to cancer, the use of smokeless tobacco, including Nasvai, can lead to conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth loss due to gum disease, and dental cavities. It may also elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The World Health Organization believes that the harm associated with Nasvai is on par with that of other smokeless tobacco products, even though comprehensive documentation is still lacking.

Comparing Nasvai to Cigarettes

The health risks of smoking have been extensively studied over many years, with the harm it poses well-documented. In contrast, research into Nasvai’s negative effects is relatively recent, resulting in limited data. However, this does not mean that Nasvai is safe.

While smoking introduces carcinogens created by burning cigarettes, Nasvai delivers toxic compounds directly into the bloodstream through the oral mucous membrane. Furthermore, Nasvai powder, containing alkaline substances, can irritate the oral cavity and esophagus, potentially leading to inflammation and an increased cancer risk.

Given that Nasvai delivers nicotine into the body more rapidly than smoking, it can lead to nicotine addiction at a quicker rate.

At this point, it’s challenging to definitively say whether cigarettes or Nasvai is more hazardous. Nevertheless, it is evident that smokeless tobacco, including Nasvai, is harmful and should not be considered a safe alternative to quitting smoking.

Is Nasvai Poisonous? Understanding the Risks.

While scientific medical journals have not reported cases of Nasvai overdose, the potential for poisoning does exist in theory.

To put things into perspective, the lethal dose of nicotine for an individual weighing 70 kilograms is 60 milligrams. Teenagers and those with lower body weights can experience poisoning with as little as 30 milligrams.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some varieties of Nasvai contain as much as 26.7 milligrams of nicotine per gram, with more than 21 milligrams being absorbable. This implies that just 1.5-3 grams of the powder could lead to poisoning. Given that Nasvai is usually portioned by sight, with unknown potency, the risk of poisoning is a real concern.

In Summary

Nasvai is a smokeless tobacco product, typically in powdered form, rolled into balls and consumed like candy.

The health effects of Nasvai have only been studied for a limited time. However, the WHO believes that its harm is on par with that of cigarettes.

Because Nasvai delivers nicotine more rapidly than smoking, it can lead to nicotine addiction quickly. This makes it especially dangerous for teenagers who are not accustomed to nicotine. Given the unknown potency of the powder and imprecise measuring of portions, the risk of poisoning is a significant concern.