It’s been two years since the Food and Drug Administration proposed a ban on menthol cigarettes. A ruling could come this fall and would mostly affect communities of color.
That’s because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 85% of Black adults who smoke choose menthols, as do nearly 50% of Hispanic adults who smoke. Only 30% of white adult smokers favor menthols.
Channel Powe is with the Tempe coalition Flavors Hook Kids.
"What I’m saying specifically is it is a targeted campaign by putting billboards and by promoting menthol cigarettes specifically within Black, low-income communities," she said.
Powe’s group and others continue to push for Tempe and Phoenix to issue citywide bans on flavored tobacco products that appeal to kids.
