Local authorities in six panchayats and the Cochin Corporation in Ernakulam district of Kerala recently banned the sale of pan masala within their jurisdiction. Studies have shown that submucous fibrosis (SMF) an incurable, irreversible disease, is caused by pan masala, a dried mixture of arecanut, lime betel nut and a few other ingredients.Studies by the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvanathapurm, in collaboration with John Hopkins University, Baltimore, recently showed that out of 22 popular brands 19 were found to be highly mutagenic.