Anti- menthol group questions tobacco bill

Anti- smoking groups say they continue to press for a ban on menthol cigarettes, with the provincial government promising to discuss Alberta’s new tobacco legislation again this fall.

Health Minister Stephen Mandel announced in November that the new rules won’t include a ban on menthol- flavoured tobacco — which is popular with young smokers — though other flavoured tobaccos will be forbidden.

With the legislation set to take effect June 1, Banding Against Menthol, a newly formed group comprised of medical professionals and former smokers, is questioning why menthol flavouring was exempted from the tobacco reduction bill.

Asha Hollis, a health sciences student at the University of Calgary and a representative from BAM, contends that the provin- cial government “is not putting the best interests of youth first.”

“There is a robust body of medical studies that illustrate the dangers of menthol consumption,” Hollis said.

The government, however, says it discourages all Albertans from smoking and there will be an opportunity to further discuss tobacco reduction in the fall — though a formal review isn’t in the works.

“Attitudes on issues like smoking evolve over time,” said Steve Buick, press secretary for Mandel.

“There are strong feelings on both sides, but Bill 206 is a big step forward to protect children in Alberta.”

While provincial smoking rates have been decreasing steadily over the past decade, one in three Alberta teen smokers prefer menthols to regular tobacco, according to a 2012- 13 survey of youth smokers.

According to Hollis, menthol flavouring is particularly dangerous because of its ability to create a cooling sensation in the lungs which relaxes the airways and allows a prolonged exposure to nicotine.

“Because of the mint flavouring, there’s a preconceived notion that menthols are less harmful than similar tobacco products,” Hollis added.

Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann, who believes the government shouldn’t delay taking action on menthols, raised the issue in the legislature this week.

Quoting the health minister’s position that “children are the priority,” Swann questioned why the province hasn’t done more to protect youths from menthol addiction.

Mandel responded by saying the health ministry discourages Albertans from smoking, adding that a “look into other alternatives” would be conducted in the fall.