Did Tobacco Companies Target Blacks with Menthol Cigarettes?

A small study in 1953 revealed 5% of Black Americans preferred menthol cigarettes compared to only 2% of White Americans. Probably not the most scientific study, but it did prompt one company to provide mentholated cigarettes to places where Black Americans congregated.

Evaluation of cigarette ads also seemed to show a difference in the skin color of the smoker based on the advertised type of cigarette. Compare the left versus the right side of the following picture and make your own conclusions.

The addition of menthol decreases the bronchial irritation the smoker feels when they inhale tobacco smoke. A 2013 FDA study found menthol cigarettes increased youth smoking habits, led to greater nicotine addiction and made it harder to quit smoking.

Since the 1950’s, the preference for menthol cigarettes among Blacks skyrocketed.

Its not surprising that this happened nor sadly is it surprising that these companies stooped to even lower levels.

But it does beg the question of what to do about this.

 2011 Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Panel recommended ban on menthol cigarettes

2013: FDA agreed

2018 Scott Gottlieb, FDA commissioner, sought to ban menthol cigarettes

2021 African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council initiated lawsuit claiming “unreasonable delay”

Its past time to ban menthol in cigarettes.

‘Cause No One Should Die of Lung Cancer!