Sister chromatid exchange and betel quid chewing

A paper by Ghosh and Ghosh contains very important data on the elevation of lymphocytic sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in betel-chewing women, including pregnant and oral contraceptive users. However, the following points need correction. Areca nut or betel nut and tobacco have been separately reported for their chromosome-damaging effects and have also been observed to add to each other's effect. The authors would like to point out and clarify several points.