Banning Menthol and Flavors in Nicotine Cigarettes: A Crucial Step to Reduce Youth Addiction and Improve Public Health
The FDA proposes banning menthol in cigarettes and characteristic flavors in cigars to reduce morbidity and mortality related to tobacco product use. This measure aims to prevent experimentation and addiction in young people, as well as increase the number of people who quit smoking. The regulation is based on accurate scientific data and evidence demonstrating the addictive and harmful nature of tobacco products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a significant step in combating the harmful effects of tobacco product use by proposing a ban on menthol in cigarettes and characteristic flavors in cigars. The main objective of this measure is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with smoking, especially among young people.
Scientific evidence supports the addictive and harmful nature of tobacco products. Numerous studies have shown that menthol, an additive used in menthol cigarettes, increases the attractiveness and ease of consumption of these products. Specifically, menthol's refreshing, softening taste reduces the irritation and hardness of tobacco, making it easier to inhale, especially for teens and young adults. In addition, menthol interacts with nicotine in the brain, intensifying its addictive effects and making smoking cessation even more difficult.
On the other hand, the characteristic flavors in cigars, such as strawberry, grape, cocoa and fruit punch, also play an important role in the appeal of these products, especially among young people. These flavors disguise the taste and smell of tobacco, facilitating initiation and experimentation in this vulnerable population. It is alarming to see how more than half a million young people in the United States consume flavored cigars, outnumbering those who try cigarettes. This trend is worrying, as cigars are also a significant source of exposure to toxic and carcinogenic substances.
The proposed ban on menthol in cigarettes and characteristic flavors in cigars is a crucial step in preventing experimentation and early addiction to tobacco. By reducing the appeal of these products among young people, it is hoped to decrease the likelihood of non-smokers becoming regular smokers. In addition, it seeks to improve the health of current smokers, increasing the chances of them quitting and thus reducing the risk of serious diseases, including cancer.
Importantly, these measures are backed by strong scientific backing and build on the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which already banned the characteristic flavors in cigarettes in 2009. These actions are also consistent with the goal of the Administration's Cancer Moonshot program, which seeks to reduce the cancer mortality rate by 50% over the next 25 years.
The FDA's proposed rules reflect its commitment to protecting the public health and well-being of citizens. However, it is important to note that the FDA will not take action against individual consumers regarding the possession or use of menthol or flavored cigar cigarettes. Instead, the agency will focus on regulating manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers and retailers that do not comply with applicable requirements.
The active participation of society is essential in this process. FDA invites individuals, communities, and organizations to share their opinions and views on these proposed rules. Public comments and hearings provide an invaluable opportunity for the voice of society to contribute to shaping FDA's efforts to improve public health.
Menthol is an additive used in menthol cigarettes that facilitates their consumption, especially among adolescents and young adults. In addition, it interacts with nicotine in the brain, enhancing its addictive effects and hindering smoking cessation. On the other hand, the characteristic flavors in cigars, such as strawberry or grape, increase their appeal, especially among young people. These flavors contribute to experimentation, nicotine dependence, and the transition to regular cigar consumption.
According to estimates, banning menthol cigarettes in the United States could reduce tobacco use by 15% in 40 years and prevent between 324,000 and 654,000 deaths attributable to smoking overall. In addition, the rule for flavored tobacco products would help decrease the appeal of cigars among young people and increase the chances that current smokers will quit.
It is important to mention that these rules will not affect individual consumers regarding the possession or use of menthol or flavored cigarettes. The FDA will focus on manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that do not comply with applicable requirements. In addition, communities are encouraged to participate and share their views during the standard-setting process.
The FDA also recognizes the importance of providing equitable access to tools and resources to help people quit smoking. Efforts are being implemented to support smokers, especially those from underserved communities, through medical coverage that includes free smoking cessation services. Smokers interested in quitting can get information about services available in their state through smokefree.gov or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
In summary, the proposal to ban menthol in cigarettes and characteristic flavors in cigars is a significant step in reducing morbidity and mortality related to the use of tobacco products. Based on solid scientific evidence, this measure seeks to prevent experimentation and addiction in young people, while increasing smoking cessation rates. The participation of society is essential to ensure that these proposals are implemented effectively and significant improvements in public health are achieved.
To conclude, the FDA's proposed rules to ban menthol in cigarettes and characteristic flavors in cigars seeks to reduce smoking initiation among youth and increase smoking cessation rates. These measures have the potential to improve public health and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the use of tobacco products. Societal participation is encouraged during the standard-setting process, and actions are being implemented to support smokers in their attempt to quit.
Resources
"Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes." The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507171/)
"Tobacco Product Use and Associated Factors Among Middle and High School Students—United States, 2019." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019. (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6839a2.htm)
"Menthol and Other Flavoring in Tobacco Products." U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2013. (https://www.fda.gov/media/86160/download)