Minerva: July 2002

Betel nut users put themselves at a high risk of oral cancer because the nuts induce chromosomal abnormalities. One analysis has identified that a loss in the short arm of chromosome 4 and a gain in the short arm of chromosome 9 are good predictors of prognosis. These losses are positively associated with poor outcome (Oral Oncology 2002;38:266-73).

Hospitality workers breathe in environmental tobacco smoke whether they like it or not. Saliva samples taken before and after a typical work shift found significantly higher cotinine concentrations in those working in places where smoking is permitted than in smoke-free premises. They also reported a higher prevalence of respiratory and irritation symptoms. The cotinine concentrations reported in this study have been linked with substantial involuntary risks for cancer and heart disease (Tobacco Control 2002;11:125-9).