USA's Delayed Action on Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars Raises Health Concerns

The usage of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars poses significant public health issues in the United States.The letter sent by senators references a 2013 FDA analysis that relates menthol cigarette usage to increased smoking initiation and increasing indicators of nicotine dependence among young individuals. Furthermore, flavored cigars have been highlighted as a serious public health issue, with a sizable proportion of juvenile cigar smokers lured to these products because of their flavors.

The letter's data highlights the ubiquity of menthol cigarette consumption, with approximately 18.6 million Americans smoking menthol cigarettes in 2019. The disproportionate impact on minority communities, notably the African American community, underscores the critical need for legislation and enforcement to address Big Tobacco's focused marketing tactics.