Black Plague
06-18-2008, 12:48 AM
http://www.ajc.com/search/content/news/stories/2008/05/29/menthol.html
Menthol flavoring —- which smooths the harshness of cigarettes —- is a key ingredient sought by African-American smokers. It's also the only flavoring not banned in historic tobacco-regulation bills moving through Congress.
The African American Tobacco Prevention Network will this week announce it is officially withdrawing support for the legislation because of the menthol loophole, said William Robinson, the group's executive director.
But they said they are speaking out because the lax approach to menthol fails to fairly protect the health of black Americans.
Menthol flavoring —- which smooths the harshness of cigarettes —- is a key ingredient sought by African-American smokers. It's also the only flavoring not banned in historic tobacco-regulation bills moving through Congress.
The African American Tobacco Prevention Network will this week announce it is officially withdrawing support for the legislation because of the menthol loophole, said William Robinson, the group's executive director.
But they said they are speaking out because the lax approach to menthol fails to fairly protect the health of black Americans.