FDA Proposes Ban , on Menthol Cigarettes.
On April 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed new rules that would ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
Through careful consideration of the scientific evidence and our authorities under the Tobacco Control Act, we've determined that these actions are appropriate for protection of the public health, Dr. Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, via statement, as reported by CNN.
According to the FDA, around 18.6 million people, 36% of all smokers in the U.S., smoke menthol cigarettes.
CNN reports that people of color and minority groups are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes, as they are the tobacco industry's target market.
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The FDA reports that while 30% of white smokers prefer menthols, 85% of Black smokers choose the same.
The FDA reports that while 30% of white smokers prefer menthols, 85% of Black smokers choose the same.
40% of women prefer them as well, compared to only 31% of men.
40% of women prefer them as well, compared to only 31% of men.
A 2013 study published in the 'American Journal of Preventive Medicine' also found that those in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to smoke menthols.
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According to the CDC, over half of kids who smoke reach for menthol cigarettes.
The proposed rules would help prevent children from becoming the next generation of smokers and help adult smokers quit.
Additionally, the proposed rules represent an important step to advance health equity by significantly reducing tobacco-related health disparities, Xavier Becerra, Health and Human Services Secretary, via statement, as reported by CNN.
One study published in 'BMJ Journals' predicts eliminating menthol cigarettes would help 923,000 people, .
Including 230,000 African Americans, quit smoking within the first year and a half.
The CDC reports that while smoking rates have gone down, the habit is still responsible for over 480,000 deaths per year in America
