CONSUMER watchdogs have cracked down on smoking goods.
West Yorkshire Trading Standards officers visited Batley to raise awareness about the dangers of niche tobacco products.
On Monday, officers and council workers visited Batley East Children’s Centre to warn of the health risks of products such as Naswar, Paan, Guthka and Shisha (water pipe smoking).
There is a misconception that these are less harmful than normal cigarettes. The products are particularly popular in the South Asian communities.
Lack of knowledge about the health implications has led to fears that young people will pick up the habit.
Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “This is a growing concern in West Yorkshire as some people are under the impression that these niche tobacco products are a healthy alternative to cigarette smoking.
“This is completely misguided and it is essential that our communities are educated on the risks of using such products.”
