The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced its plan to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, a decision that has been met with widespread support from public health advocates. The move is a long overdue and necessary step in reducing the devastating impact of tobacco-related diseases in the United States.

Menthol cigarettes have long been a target for regulation due to their association with increased addiction and the disproportionate use among marginalized communities. According to the FDA, 85% of African American smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to only 29% of white smokers. This targeting of minority communities has led to a higher prevalence of smoking-related diseases and deaths among these populations.

The FDA’s decision to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is supported by a large body of evidence that links the use of these products to the increased risk of addiction, initiation of smoking among youth, and a higher likelihood of developing smoking-related diseases. Menthol cigarettes have been shown to be more addictive and harder to quit, leading to long-term use and increased health risks.

Studies have also found that menthol cigarettes may contribute to a higher incidence of respiratory problems, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. By banning menthol flavored products, the FDA aims to reduce the number of people who become addicted to tobacco and decrease the overall rates of smoking-related diseases and mortality.

Furthermore, the ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars aligns with the FDA’s commitment to reducing health disparities among communities of color. By removing these products from the market, the agency seeks to address the disproportionate impact of tobacco use on marginalized populations and work towards achieving health equity.

While the tobacco industry is likely to push back against the ban, the FDA’s decision is a critical step in protecting public health and saving lives. The evidence is clear: ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will reduce addiction, decrease smoking rates, and ultimately lead to a decline in tobacco-related diseases and deaths.

The FDA’s move to end the sale of menthol flavored products is a proactive and necessary step in promoting public health and reducing the devastating impact of tobacco-related diseases. It is an important milestone in the fight against the tobacco epidemic and a powerful signal of the government’s commitment to protecting the well-being of all Americans. It is incumbent upon the agency to swiftly implement this ban and ensure its enforcement to safeguard the health of all communities in the United States.