Imports of flavored bidis, which are only sold to Western markets, have doubled in the past year.
Many rollers suffer from lung diseases from inhaling the tobacco dust.
Ultimately, the public must recognize that these things are deadly. We can also make sure that bidis are subject to all laws and regulations regarding tobacco products and at least display the Surgeon General's Warning. American companies that import bidis pose a public health risk that can only be conjured in death, disease, and human suffering. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, an initiative to decrease youth tobacco use in the United States, every day more than 3,000 kids in America become regular smokers. Clearly tobacco use among young people is big business for tobacco companies.