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Bidi smoking is probably killing more people and causing more disease than any other tobacco product in India, the first comprehensive report on the health impact of bidis has indicated.

A typical bidi has less tobacco than a cigarette, but contains higher levels of tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, carcinogenic hydrocarbons and other toxic substances, according to the report released by the health ministry today.

The material used in the wrapping of bidi tobacco is less porous and less combustible than cigarette wrapping paper. This could lead to a higher intake of carbon monoxide, nicotine and tar during bidi smoking, one study in the report said.

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