US to ban menthol cigarettes

WASHINGTON: US health authorities announced Thursday their intent to soon ban menthol cigare es, adding the action would save hundreds of thousands of lives.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to issue new product standards that would classify menthol as a flavor, which are banned in cigare es, and also ban all flavoured cigars.

Menthol “has anesthetic properties and qualities that help mask the harshness and irritation of tobacco smoke,” acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock told reporters.

In a statement, the FDA added that studies show menthol facilitates progression to regular smoking, particularly among youths and young adults.

Further, the agency said, banning the product would help reduce racial disparities in health, since it is estimated that among all Black smokers, 85 per cent smoke menthol cigare es, compared to 30 per cent of white smokers.