It’s a manipulative way for Big Tobacco to target, attract and addict Black Americans. The cooling flavor makes menthol products easier to start and much harder to quit, and tobacco companies aggressively market menthol products using elements of Black culture, putting more products on shelves in Black communities and making them cheaper. And for Black Americans, it’s not just an injustice – it’s killing us.
Historically, the marketing and promotion of menthol cigarettes have been targeted heavily toward African Americans through culturally tailored advertising images and messages
Smoking-related illnesses are the number one cause of death in the African American community.
Over 7 out of 10 African American youth ages 12-17 years who smoke use menthol cigarettes.
Menthol products are given more shelf space in retail outlets within African American and other minority neighborhoods.
Black smokers smoke less but die of heart attacks, strokes and other causes linked to tobacco use at higher rates than white smokers do.
Free Support Available to Become and Stay Tobacco-Free
The New York State Smokers’ Quitline is a confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome tobacco use, including e-cigarettes.
Free offerings include individualized coaching and assistance with quit-planning from highly trained Quit Coaches, text and chat support and free shipping of stop-smoking medications such as nicotine patches or nicotine gum for those 18 and older. Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. In addition, the Quitline encourages teens and young adults (ages 13-24) to text
Visit nysmokefree.com anytime for more information or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.
