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Explained in plain English

What are the health risks?

While betel nuts offer a mild high, regular chewing carries significant health risks, particularly for oral health. Prolonged use can lead to serious conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and a heightened risk of oral cancer. This contrasts sharply with the early use in Indonesia, where the long-term health implications were likely unknown to those ancient users.

Stories that explain this

25,000 years ago, drug use started in Indonesia US aircraft carrier visit to Pattaya raises sex-tourism fears Heat dome brings high 30s temperatures to southern Europe in September

Questions this opens up

Who is most at risk? How to stay safe? What is heatstroke? What is oral cancer? Are there other side effects? Are betel nuts addictive?

Related explainers

What are betel nuts? Why do carriers visit ports? Why did early humans use drugs? Why is Europe so hot? What is a heat dome? What are the impacts? How do port visits affect economies? What is sex tourism?

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