Clove cigarettes, also known as cloves and kreteks, are a type of cigarette usually imported to the U.S. from Indonesia, and are typically made of tobacco, cloves and additives. Bidis are small, thin, hand-rolled cigarettes usually imported to the U.S. from India and other Southeast Asian countries. Both cloves and bidis have higher amounts of nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide than conventional cigarettes sold in the U.S.1

Health Risks

  • A limited amount of research has been done in the U.S. on the long-term health effects of cloves and bidis use. 
  • Research studies from Indonesia show that clove cigarette smoking is linked with lung problems. 
  • Research studies from India indicate that bidis smoking is linked with cancer, respiratory disease and heart disease.

When you are ready to quit cloves or bidis, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit: www.nevadatobaccoquitline.com  

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking and Tobacco Use: Bidis and Kreteks Fact Sheet

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Last modified on 08/15/2023