The use of betel nut in the Marshall Islands appears to have increasing rapidly among young people over the past 15 years, despite it not being grown there.
Correspondent Giff Johnson says the addictive qualities - especially when combined with tobacco - has led to pervasive use in the community with little regulation.
He told Jenny Meyer recent research indicates high betel nut use is likely to mean escalating rates of oral cancer in the future for Marshallese people.
Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
