Pan masala is a mixture of areca nut with slaked lime, catechu, and other flavoring agents. It is widely available and used by all sections of Indian society. Pan masala is most often considered to be an item to aid digestion or used as a breath freshener. However, recent concerns have been expressed over some pan masala mixtures that include tobacco products. Not all pan masala has tobacco as an ingredient, so it is best to check prior to consuming. Pan masala is a very harmful substance affecting almost all organ systems, and there is an immediate need for a national policy on a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and marketing of pan masala.

Pan masala is actually made from something called pan or paan, which is a betel leaf containing many other ingredients wrapped in it. The difference between pan and pan masala is essentially like the difference between milk and milk powder. Pan and pan masala are often called smokeless tobacco as they are not smoked. Consumers chew the pan in their mouths and spit out the juice that builds up. Their smokeless nature makes women prefer them over cigarettes as they would be looked down upon for smoking.

In conclusion, pan masala is a mixture of areca nut with slaked lime, catechu, and other flavoring agents that is widely available and used by all sections of Indian society. It is most often considered to be an item to aid digestion or used as a breath freshener. However, some pan masala mixtures include tobacco products, which can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is best to check prior to consuming. Pan masala is a very harmful substance affecting almost all organ systems, and there is an immediate need for a national policy on a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and marketing of pan masala.