Another problem was that significant plots of land were being cleared to plant betel nut trees, leading to landslides during heavy rains. Despite the numerous threats, Hahn continued his crusade against chewing betel nut, and the government designated Dec. 3, 1997 as the nation’s first Betel Nut Prevention Day. Photo courtesy of Health Promotion AdministrationLONGTIME HABITArchaeological evidence shows that Taiwan’s inhabitants have been chewing betel nut for 4,000 to 5,000 years. Politicians in the betel nut counties of Pingtung and Nantou immediately fired back, and the debate was on. But it wasn’t until 2003 that Hahn’s beliefs were officially validated when the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that betel nut is carcinogenic.

Source: Taipei Times December 05, 2020 15:56 UTC