John, The Washington Post did a major story examining the case against menthol cigarettes, which disproportionately addict and kill Black Americans. This story couldn't come at a more critical time. Because of a lawsuit filed by the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council and other public health groups, the FDA faces an April 29th deadline to decide whether to remove menthols from the market. With our partners, we're fighting hard to make sure they do. Learn more and help us build momentum by reading and sharing this story: |
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 FDA weighs ban on menthol cigarettes, which disproportionately addict – and kill – Black Americans by Laura Reiley | April 20, 2021 "'Special marketing campaigns that kill people of a certain race? That’s the definition of institutional racism,' [former menthol smoker Theo Wilson] said... 'I'd argue menthol is the ultimate candy flavoring that helps the poison go down easier,' said Phillip Gardiner, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council... 'It is by definition an anesthetic, allowing for deeper inhalation, and the more nicotine and toxins you take in, the more addicted you become.' A recent report in the Tobacco Control journal estimated that menthol cigarettes were responsible for 10.1 million extra smokers and 378,000 premature deaths in the United States between 1980 and 2018. Gardiner points to studies that suggest menthol activates more nicotine receptors in the brain, enhances the penetration of nicotine and keeps nicotine in the body longer, adding that 'all these things add up to a greater level of addiction and impact on the body.'" Read the whole article >> |
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 For over 60 years, the tobacco industry has targeted Black communities, especially kids, with predatory marketing for menthol cigarettes, at enormous cost in lives and health, as detailed in a report – Stopping Menthol, Saving Lives – that we issued in February. Eliminating menthol cigarettes nationwide would be a huge victory for public health and social justice. But keep in mind: Even if the FDA decides next week to move in this direction, the process will likely take months or even years. We'll have to fight Big Tobacco's legal challenges and disinformation campaigns every step of the way. So as we make this final push toward the FDA's April 29th decision deadline, we're gearing up for the even-bigger fight that will follow. Meanwhile, our local campaigns to stop all flavored tobacco products – including menthol cigarettes – are heating up in cities and states across the country. It's truly a full-court press right now. Support this critical work by making a contribution today: |
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