Menthol cigarettes - a Big Problem for Humanity
Published on July 17, 2008 2:40 PM
Menthol flavoring — which smoothes the harshness of cigarettes — is a key ingredient sought by African-American smokers. It's also the only flavoring not banned in historic tobacco-regulation bills moving through Congress.
A black teen, Jerome Wallace, 18, said that he smoked menthol cigarettes for over seven years and doesn’t see himself quitting any time soon. He said: "I got hooked at a young age while hanging out with friends. Since I liked eating candy, the variety of flavors attracted me as well so I have become addicted."
The American Medical Association (AMA) opted not to challenge a tobacco bill that would ban many flavor additives in cigarettes sold in the United States with the exception of cheap cigarettes menthol flavoring. In such a case popular flavors among youth such as vanilla, clove and mint would be barred but menthol flavoring would stay on the shelves. That’s why menthol cigarettes became a big problem for humanity.
According to government statistics, menthol cigarettes top of the list for 75 percent of Black smokers compared to fewer than 25 percent of White smokers. Like other additives, menthol, which is derived from mint and also is available in synthetic form, can help mask the bitter taste of tobacco.
Dr. Louis Sullivan said: "If we’re banning things such as clove and peppermint, then we should ban menthol. If it doesn’t happen, this bill will be discriminatory against African-Americans."
Louis Sullivan is an American physician and businessman. He served as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President George H. W. Bush and founded the Morehouse School of Medicine. He is one of five former health secretaries that recently sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to ban menthol flavoring in all tobacco products.
In a study was found that almost 60 percent of the billboards in Black neighborhoods advertised cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. In another study of 73 billboards along 19 blocks in a Black neighborhood in Philadelphia and 60 advertised cigarettes or alcohol.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates billboards advertising tobacco products are placed in Black communities four to five times more often than in White communities.
William S. Robinson, director of the African American Tobacco Prevention Network, said his group firmly believes a better tobacco control bill could be drafted without the support of Philip Morris, which produces a high number of menthol brand cigarettes.
Anti-smoking researchers reported that the tobacco legislation is important, even without a menthol ban.
