Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of several Pacific nations where betel nut is commonly consumed.
Betel quid, a mixture of betel nut, mustard (Piper betel), and lime (Calcium hydroxide) derived from burnt sea shells, is widely chewed.
The lime, processed into a dry white powder from burnt sea shells, is typically sold in sealed plastic bags for use by betel nut users.
Chewing areca nut has been linked to significant health and environmental issues in the country, as well as damage to public property and increasing waste in urban centers.
The growing population in the city is expected to lead to a continued rise in betel nut consumption.
While oral cancer was not previously regarded as a concern, it is now emerging as a serious health and environmental challenge due to ongoing betel nut use.
To address these issues, it will be necessary to implement laws and regulations to change behaviors and manage the waste generated from betel nut spitting.
Regulating the sale of betel nut and designating specific trading areas could help reduce environmental waste management problems.
As expenditures on betel nuts rise, so does the associated waste in the environment.
The ongoing habit of chewing betel nut poses severe negative effects on health, social structures, the environment, and the economy.