The FDA’s proposed ban on menthol-flavored cigarettes continues to concern many that Black Americans are being targeted. Critics argue that the ban could have a disproportionate impact on the Black community. According to Columbia University, a staggering 80 percent of Black adults who smoke cigarettes use menthol. That is a significant number.
The proposed rules aim to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes, among other measures. The FDA believes that these actions will reduce the number of smokers who get addicted, and in turn, lower the number of preventable deaths caused by smoking.
However, critics of the ban argue that it could have severe consequences for the Black community. Some also say that this ban could create a black market for menthol cigarettes. The question is why is Black America yet again another target of policies? The FDA claims that the rules are being proposed to reduce cancer deaths.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
