Ending Menthol Sales Saves Lives – Breathe DC – News Block

April 29, 2021

Acting to end the sale of menthol-flavored cigarettes is right for public health, especially the health of millions of African-Americans.

WASHINGTON, DC — Breathe DC applauds today’s decision by the US Food and Drug Administration to end the sale of menthol-flavored cigarettes.

For more than six decades, Big Tobacco has selectively marketed menthol-flavored cigarettes to black communities, with devastating impacts. Smoking kills 45,000 black Americans each year. Lung cancer kills more African Americans than any other type of cancer.

“It is imperative that we end the sale of menthol products to reverse more than half a century of relentless attacks by Big Tobacco promoting menthol in African-American communities,” said Rolando Andrewn, President of Breathe DC. “Millions of preventable deaths and debilitating diseases are linked to menthol products.

“The FDA’s bold decision will help ensure better health for people in our local communities and across the country. Additionally, the federal government’s decision recognizes that all black lives must breathe,” Andrewn stated.

Breathe DC is the capital area’s only local nonprofit dedicated exclusively to cleaner air and healthy breathing. The organization actively advocates for stronger laws and policies to safeguard healthy air and protect the lungs from smoke, air pollution, and allergens. Breathe DC’s public health programs empower adults and youth with lung diseases like asthma to lead fuller, more active lives.