Who Smokes Menthol Cigarettes?
Much of the day’s discussion focused on a few key issues. Foremost among them was the appeal of menthol cigarettes for different ethnic groups, including African-Americans, and also for young smokers, who many believe favor menthols because they mask the harshness of regular tobacco. African-Americans account for more than three-quarters of the market for menthol cigarettes. Gardiner, who says this a social justice issue, calls the opportunity for the FDA to ban menthol “a historic opportunity. … At a minimum they should rein in [tobacco companies’] predatory marketing campaigns that have bombarded the African-American community.” Cheryl Healton, PhD, professor of public health at Columbia University and president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, also supports a ban, in particular because of menthol’s appeal to young and new smokers.
Much of the day’s discussion focused on a few key issues. Foremost among them was the appeal of menthol cigarettes for different ethnic groups, including African-Americans, and also for young smokers, who many believe favor menthols because they mask the harshness of regular tobacco. African-Americans account for more than three-quarters of the market for menthol cigarettes. Gardiner, who says this a social justice issue, calls the opportunity for the FDA to ban menthol “a historic opportunity. … At a minimum they should rein in [tobacco companies’] predatory marketing campaigns that have bombarded the African-American community.” Cheryl Healton, PhD, professor of public health at Columbia University and president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, also supports a ban, in particular because of menthol’s appeal to young and new smokers. “If you want [young people] to start smoking, give them something that tastes like candy,” she says. “And guess what? Young smokers smoke more
