http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs104/en/I've heard that there is a link between beedies and TB. I don't know if it is because of the working conditions of the people rolling them making them susceptible to it or if it is just the general greater susceptibility of smokers to the disease.Here is an extract of the World Health Organisation document above:"Who is most at risk?Tuberculosis mostly affects young adults, in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. Over 95% of cases and deaths are in developing countries.People who are co-infected with HIV and TB are 21 to 34 times more likely to become sick with TB (see TB and HIV section). Risk of active TB is also greater in persons suffering from other conditions that impair the immune system.About half a million children (0-14 years) fell ill with TB, and 64 000 children died from the disease in 2011. Tobacco use greatly increases the risk of TB disease and death. More than 20% of TB cases worldwide are attributable to smoking."
Philippa Bond ● 4613d