A recent study reveals that menthol cigarette bans in various countries have led to a significant decrease in smoking rates.
Christina Jewett reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- About a quarter of menthol smokers quit after bans were implemented, with others switching to different cigarettes or continuing with menthol in restricted areas.
- The study highlights the potential health benefits for Black smokers, who predominantly favor menthol cigarettes, and the possibility of reduced smoking-related diseases.
- Bans in countries like Canada and parts of the European Union were more effective than in smaller regions, suggesting a wider impact of national-level prohibitions.
Key quote:
"Our review found that a menthol ban will have a pro-equity impact, meaning that we expect smoking to reduce the most among Black individuals who smoke as compared to other racial or ethnic groups."
— Sarah Mills, assistant professor, University of North Carolina School of Public Health
Why this matters:
This potential policy change reflects the intersection of health, race, and regulatory challenges, providing a unique perspective on national health policies and their impact.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reveals that certain e-cigarette flavors, particularly menthol and cinnamon, can damage blood vessel cells, increasing the risk of heart disease.
