The Impact of Banning Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars: A Step Towards Saving Lives and Reducing Health Disparities

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## Introduction

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In recent news, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed two rules aimed at ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars[^1^]. While these rules are not yet in effect, it is crucial to understand the significance of this action. The primary goal is to reduce youth tobacco use, save lives, and address tobacco-related health disparities[^1^]. This article will delve into the details of the proposed rules, their potential impact, and the importance of ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

The Proposed Rules

On April 28, 2022, the FDA announced two proposed rules: one to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes and another to ban the sale of flavored cigars[^1^]. These proposals are currently open for public comments until August 2, 2022[^1^]. Individuals can participate by submitting their opinions through the American Lung Association’s action alert[^1^]. Following the comment period, the FDA will review and respond to the comments before seeking final approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget[^1^].

Once the final rules are released, there may be potential legal challenges from the tobacco industry. However, if these challenges do not cause delays, products will need to be removed from the market within one year after the rules come into effect[^1^].

The Importance of Taking Action

Impact on Youth Tobacco Use

Menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars play a significant role in initiating tobacco use among young individuals[^1^]. Flavors, including menthol, attract young people to try these products, making it easier for them to start smoking and harder to quit[^1^]. Currently, approximately 19 million people in the United States smoke menthol cigarettes[^1^].

Health Disparities and Targeted Marketing

The sale of menthol cigarettes disproportionately affects Black and brown communities, as well as the lesbian, gay, and bisexual population[^1^]. Over 80% of Black smokers use menthol cigarettes, contributing to significant health disparities[^1^]. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death among Black Americans, claiming 45,000 lives every year[^1^]. Black men have the highest rates of lung cancer in the country, and Black middle and high school students smoke flavored cigars at higher rates than cigarettes[^1^].

The tobacco industry’s targeted marketing efforts towards Black communities have played a role in these disparities[^1^]. Ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is a crucial step toward reversing the decades of injustice and health inequities faced by Black and brown communities[^1^].

Potential for Smoking Cessation

Research suggests that banning the sale of menthol cigarettes could lead to a significant number of smokers quitting[^1^]. A study estimated that almost one million smokers would quit within 17 months of the ban, including approximately a quarter of a million Black Americans[^1^]. After Canada banned menthol cigarettes in 2017, the country witnessed increased quit attempts and cessation among menthol smokers[^1^].

The Path to the Proposed Rules

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

In 2009, the FDA passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which allowed the continued sale of menthol cigarettes while removing other flavored cigarettes from the market[^1^]. The act required the completion of a report on the public health impact of menthol cigarettes within the first year of establishing the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee[^1^]. The report concluded that allowing menthol in cigarettes harmed public health and recommended its removal from the market[^1^].

Despite decreasing smoking rates overall, the presence of menthol cigarettes on the market remains a concern. As of 2018, menthol cigarettes accounted for approximately 38% of all cigarette sales, the highest rate since the major tobacco companies were required to report this data[^1^]. where can i find menthol cigarettes near me

Taking Action to Support the Proposed Rules

Advocacy and Awareness

To support the proposed rules, individuals can engage in advocacy efforts. One way is to participate in the American Lung Association’s action alert and submit comments to the FDA[^1^]. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can help amplify the message[^1^]. where can i find menthol cigarettes near me

Conclusion

The proposed rules to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars have the potential to save lives, reduce youth tobacco use, and address health disparities[^1^]. By eliminating the attractive flavors that entice young individuals to try these products, we can make it more difficult for them to start smoking and increase their chances of quitting[^1^]. Ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is a crucial step towards achieving health equity and reducing tobacco-related harm in marginalized communities[^1^]. It is vital for individuals to support these proposed rules through advocacy and awareness to bring about positive change in public health.

Additional Information:

• Primary Keyword: “banning menthol cigarettes”
• Secondary Keywords: “flavored cigars,” “youth tobacco use,” “health disparities,” “smoking cessation”
• Tone of Voice: Informative, Advocacy-oriented, Empathetic