Wednesday05 February 2025
centralasiabusiness.com

"Experts report that over 2.5 million people in Uzbekistan use nasvai, including children."

Amid the ongoing discussions surrounding the bill to ban electronic cigarettes in Uzbekistan, the issue related to the widely used product known as nasvai remains unresolved. According to experts, the number of nasvai consumers reaches up to 2.5 million individuals, including children.
«В Узбекистане более 2,5 млн человек употребляют насвай, включая детей», — отмечают эксперты.

Nasvay is a traditional smokeless tobacco product from Central Asia, consumed orally. Its composition includes tobacco, vegetable oils, and various harmful additives. In some cases, chicken manure is added to enhance the effect. The illegal production and lack of quality control raise serious concerns about its safety.

The illegal manufacture and sale of nasvay do not contribute tax revenues to the budget. Laboratory studies have identified dangerous substances in the product, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium. According to research from Kyoto University, nasvay contains over 4,000 chemicals, 30 of which are considered carcinogens. Its consumption poses a significant health threat, causing diseases of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and other organs.

Different countries employ various approaches to reduce nicotine consumption. For instance, in the USA, nicotine pouches are recognized as a less harmful alternative. They do not contain tobacco and undergo strict quality checks, assisting adults in quitting smoking.

In Uzbekistan, nasvay remains legal. A complete ban may be challenging due to its popularity. However, introducing mandatory quality standards to eliminate toxic substances and legalizing production could address some of the issues.

Effective regulation and monitoring play a crucial role in protecting public health and ensuring a quality product. Only in this way can the risks associated with nasvay consumption be reduced.