The U.S. Federal Menthol Ban

A Critical Step Toward Health Equity for African Americans

Datos Bibliográficos

ID19228296
AutoresKyrah Frank (California State University, San Bernardino), Chanita Hughes Halbert (0000-0002-0103-6916, University of Southern California), Trista Beard (0000-0001-5543-4795, University of Southern California, autor de correspondencia)
Año2026
Fecha de publicación2026-05-12
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2196-8837 • E-ISSN: 2197-3792
EditorialSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s40615-026-03011-0
PMID42118440
OpenAlexW7160901112
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas36

Despite longstanding evidence of the disproportionate burden menthol cigarettes pose to Black Americans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed federal ban has faced consistent delays. Menthol is associated with an increased risk of addiction, fewer quit attempts, and disproportionate rates of smoking-related illness and death among Black Americans. While states like Massachusetts and California have taken steps to implement bans, the U.S. federal government has yet to act. These delays are a public health failure that perpetuates racial health disparities. This paper explores the historical targeting of Black communities by the tobacco industry and highlights the complex responses to the potential ban from those in Black communities. Despite mixed public opinion, the evidence is clear that a federal menthol ban, combined with equitable culturally tailored cessation resources, can save lives and address disproportionate tobacco-related health disparities

Equity (law) · Government (linguistics) · Health equity · Menthol · Public health · Public policy · Quality of Life Research · Tobacco industry · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment · Smoking Behavior and Cessation · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes