USA News: Biden Administration’s Surprising Delay: Menthol Cigarette Ban Postponed Again
The Biden administration has once again deferred the anticipated ban on menthol cigarettes, prompting dissatisfaction among public health officials who argue that these products contribute to a significant loss of American lives. The revised timeline, discreetly updated on the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website, now projects the final menthol ban to be enforced no earlier than March, extending over multiple years. Originally slated for implementation by the end of December, the delay has disappointed advocates, including Emily Holubowich from the American Heart Association, who expressed heartbreak over the postponement, emphasizing the lethal consequences associated with menthol cigarette use.
Public health organizations, such as the American Lung Association and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, have tirelessly advocated for the prohibition of menthol tobacco products for over a decade. The Biden administration, yet to provide an official explanation for the delay, holds the decision-making power, despite the Food and Drug Administration’s authority to enact the ban.
Dr. Avenal Joseph, from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, voiced frustration over the continuous delays, citing the impact on public health and equity. Concerns are growing among health officials that the ban might lose momentum in an election year, as political issues take precedence.
The tobacco industry’s resistance to a menthol ban, citing concerns about an increase in the illicit market, has been dismissed by public health experts. They stress the paramount importance of prioritizing public health over potential illicit market consequences.
Menthol’s cooling sensation in tobacco products facilitates smoking initiation and hinders cessation, contributing to a lower success rate for individuals attempting to quit, according to experts. Disproportionate usage among Black Americans, with nearly 85% of Black smokers using menthols compared to 30% of white smokers, underscores the urgency of the ban. Yolonda Richardson of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids highlighted the potential life-saving impact, citing research projecting up to 654,000 lives saved within 40 years, including 255,000 Black Americans.
The high lung cancer death rate among Black men, with 157,000 African Americans dying prematurely due to menthol cigarettes from 1980 to 2018, as per CDC data, emphasizes the critical nature of the issue. Dr. David Margolius of the Department of Public Health for Cleveland expressed concern over the delay, labeling it as atrocious and warning that prolonged inaction will result in more lives lost to menthol-related health issues.
