U.S. Anti-smoking Groups Protest Against Government Delay in Menthol Cigarette Ban
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U.S. anti-smoking groups protest against government delay in menthol cigarette ban
A U.S. anti-smoking group has filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. government's delay in passing a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes, citing tobacco industry lobbying that has hampered the bill's passage.
According to a report by blackenterprise on April 14, anti-smoking groups have filed a lawsuit against the US government for delaying the passage of a proposal to ban menthol cigarettes.
For nearly 15 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been trying to pass similar bans, arguing that "300,000 to 650,000 smoking deaths could be prevented over several decades." "The lawsuit alleges that tobacco industry lobbying made it difficult for supporters and lawmakers to pass the bill.
One factor delaying the ban is its disproportionate impact on black Americans. In the 1960s, some advertisements specifically promoted menthol cigarettes to black people. The targeted marketing was successful, leading "1.5 million black Americans to start smoking menthol cigarettes." Back in 2020, among all smokers, 81% of black people smoked menthol cigarettes, while 34% of white people smoked menthol cigarettes.
Yolanda Lawson, president of the National Medical Association, said in a statement: "As African-American physicians, we are deeply troubled by the FDA's delay in moving forward with a ban on menthol cigarettes. We of patients, more than any other group, are disabled and die prematurely from continued use of these cigarettes."
Laurent Huber, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health, said, "FDA research confirms that banning menthol cigarettes will save lives. There is no scientific reason to delay the finalization of this rule."
