Responding to the petition of the All Kerala Tobacco Dealers' Association to stay the ban, the Court declined to interfere with the Government's decision. The judgement bears significance as it has direct link in safeguarding and protecting the health of nearly 4.9 lakh users of pan masala and gutkha in Kerala.
Countless studies have proven the toxic impacts of smokeless tobacco (ST) products, also known as non-combusted tobacco. A recent study on smokeless tobacco called 'Toxicology of smokeless tobacco: implications for immune, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems,' draws light on the adverse health outcomes owing to ST use.
The researchers Willis D, Popovech M, Gany F and Zelikoff J. surmise that there exists evidence of reproductive outcomes, such as perinatal mortality, preterm birth, and reduced sperm viability, in conjunction with ST use. Cardiovascular health may also be impacted by ST use, resulting in increased blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction, both of which may potentially lead to cardiovascular diseases, they point out.
Tobacco Free Kerala joins thousands of crusaders of public health across the world in hailing the Kerala High Court's verdict.
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