Photo Credit: Drew Angerer / Staff
Reportedly, the Biden administration will announce a new proposal to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes this week.
Civil rights groups that say the hurt of the tobacco industry’s aggressive targeting of the Black community has affected African Americans sought this action.
Confirmed: A menthol cigarette ban is expected soon from Biden admin. Won’t take effect immediately for ~20M menthol users in US.
Public health experts support ban. ACLU has concerns over policing of ban. @cbsnews >https://t.co/oN6tT7CjNB
— Bo Erickson CBS (@BoKnowsNews) April 28, 2021
“The predatory marketing of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products must be stopped and we should all recognize this as a social justice issue, and one that disproportionately impacts youth and communities of color,” said a recent letter from 10 civil rights and Black health organizations pushing for a ban.
This ban will include menthol and other flavors popular with young adults, like Swisher Sweets and Backwoods. It could take years before this ban takes effect if passed, but honestly, how effective could this be?
“A ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars would do more to reduce youth tobacco use and health disparities than any other single action the federal government has ever undertaken,” said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Tobacco use in the United States is the leading cause of illness and death, especially among African Americans.
