Finished with Menthol: An Evidence-Based Policy Option That Will Save Lives

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (S1) ◽  
pp. 41-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joelle M. Lester ◽  
Stacey Younger Gagosian
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
The United States ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Policy Option ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Menthol Cigarettes ◽  
Youth And Young Adults ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Flavored Tobacco

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, killing approximately 480,000 people each year. This crushing health burden falls disproportionately, and recent CDC data shows that large disparities in adult cigarette smoking remain. One factor in these disparities is the use of flavors. Menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products are used at higher rates by vulnerable populations including youth and young adults, African Americans, women, Hispanics and Asian Americans. This is no accident; the tobacco industry has long targeted these same groups. Given FDA's failure to act to ban flavored tobacco products, states and municipalities are considering taking matters into their own hands to protect their communities from these dangerous products. The authors will explore state and local authority to restrict the sales of these products and review the evidence base indicating that removing flavored tobacco products – and menthol combustible products in particular - from the market would significantly reduce the toll of illness and death caused by these products.

scholarly journals Looking Back and Ahead: The Food and Drug Administration’s Regulation of the Tobacco Industry and Next-Generation Products

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
The United States ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Tobacco Marketing

Regulatory policy toward tobacco significantly affects oral health because tobacco use is a driver of diseases that manifest themselves in or near the oral cavity. Tobacco use in the United States has been associated with millions of cases of periodontal disease. Researchers have identified the role of combusted and noncombusted tobacco products in promoting cancers of the head and neck, leading to disease and premature death. Tobacco companies have moved increasingly toward so-called next-generation products (NGPs)—products that may emit fewer toxins than combustible forms of tobacco. Although NGPs may negatively affect the lungs and other bodily systems, they shift the injection site of nicotine from the lungs to the oral cavity and oral tissues. Because the long-term effects of NGPs are unknown, this tobacco marketing development has profound implications for oral disease. The US Food and Drug Administration exercises regulatory authority over tobacco products. The tobacco industry has avoided meaningful regulation of its products, especially smokeless forms. By publishing new research, oral health scientists can meaningfully shape the climate in which the administration’s policy making occurs.

scholarly journals Analysis of Menthol, Menthol-Like, and Other Tobacco Flavoring Compounds in Cigarettes and in Electrically Heated Tobacco Products

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Reger ◽  
Julia Moß ◽  
Harald Hahn ◽  
Jürgen Hahn
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Recognition ◽  
German Market ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Cooling Agent ◽  
Menthol Cigarettes ◽  
Huge Variety ◽  
The Eu

SummaryAlthough smoking is responsible for a huge variety of diseases which result in ~16% of the fatalities in the United States and Europe respectively, cigarettes are still being sold far and wide. Mentholated cigarettes were introduced in 1920, since then to today social recognition and the use of flavored tobacco products is still increasing especially within young people. The EU adopted as its measure to reduce tobacco use among adolescents the prohibition of tobacco products with a characteristic flavor by means of the directive 2014/40/EU of the European Parliament and the Council.For this reason, we developed a method for the simultaneous determination of 14 tobacco flavors like menthol, menthol-like and other compounds via gas-chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry (GC/MS) and analyzed 21 different tobacco products (mentholated and non-mentholated cigarettes, as well as electrically heated tobacco products (EHTPs)) of the German market regarding their flavoring compound patterns. The highest amounts of flavoring compounds were determined in menthol cigarettes (~10,000 μg/stick) whereas non-mentholated cigarettes and EHTPs featured only ~10 μg/stick. In total, seven flavoring compounds like menthol, L-menthone, L-linalool, isopulegol, geraniol, camphor and WS-3 (cooling agent) were available within the samples. Mentholated cigarettes could be clearly identified since > 99% of the measured flavoring compounds was represented by menthol. Although flavoring compounds in non-mentholated cigarettes and EHTPs were quite comparable, they could be differentiated due to different flavoring compound patterns. Brandspecific flavoring compound patterns were not recognized.

Impact of Local Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions on Policy-Related Attitudes and Tobacco Product Access

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110275
Author(s):  
Ashley L. Feld ◽  
Todd Rogers ◽  
Jennifer Gaber ◽  
Jessica Pikowski ◽  
Matthew C. Farrelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Tobacco Sales ◽  
Perceived Difficulty ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Perceived Access ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Flavored Tobacco

Background As of September 2020, more than 300 state and local jurisdictions restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, with some including menthol. Aims o evaluate the impact of local ordinances restricting the sale of flavored tobacco, we surveyed Californians regarding policy support and perceived access to flavored tobacco. Methods In 2019, we conducted an online survey of 3,075 California youth and young adults recruited via social media, about half of whom lived in a policy jurisdiction. Logistic regressions assessed differences on propensity score–weighted outcomes, policy support, and perceived access. Results Most respondents indicated agreement with almost all policy support statements. Although policy respondents were less likely than rest-of-California respondents to report perceived difficulty in buying flavored cigars, flavored vape users in policy jurisdictions were more likely than those in the rest of California to report perceived difficulty in buying flavored e-liquid. Regardless of jurisdiction, certain priority subgroups were significantly more likely to report perceived difficulty in accessing flavored cigars, flavored vaping products, flavored e-liquid, and menthol cigarettes. Discussion With some exceptions, these findings demonstrate that among vape users in policy jurisdictions and priority subgroups, there is a higher likelihood of reporting perceived difficulty to access flavored tobacco products. Conclusions Findings might be an early indication of shifts in social norms about flavored tobacco products in California, which could gain traction as local sales restriction ordinances proliferate throughout the state and a statewide flavored-tobacco sales restriction goes into effect.

Tobacco Marketing at SNAP- and WIC-Authorized Retail Food Stores in the United States

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 541-549
Author(s):  
Shauna M. Rust ◽  
Allison E. Myers ◽  
Heather D’Angelo ◽  
Tara L. Queen ◽  
Melissa N. Laska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Tobacco Marketing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
State And Local

Background. Lower-income families in the United States are at increased risk for food insecurity and have higher rates of tobacco use. Many retailers accepting government food assistance benefits also sell tobacco products, whose marketing promotes smoking initiation and undermines quit attempts. We examined the presence of tobacco marketing in authorized retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), compared with nonauthorized retailers. Method. A nationally representative sample of tobacco retailers in the contiguous United States ( N = 2,054) were audited for tobacco marketing in 2015. Using generalized estimating equations, we examined the association between WIC and SNAP authorization and presence of tobacco marketing, adjusted for store type and neighborhood demographics. Results. Both WIC-authorized (odds ratio [OR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.1, 2.4]) and SNAP-authorized retailers (OR 2.3, 95% CI [1.7, 3.1]) had greater odds of displaying interior tobacco price promotions, compared with stores that were not WIC/SNAP authorized. SNAP-authorized stores (compared with nonauthorized) had almost 3 times greater odds of displaying interior tobacco advertisements (OR 2.9, 95% CI [1.9, 4.5]), while WIC-authorized retailers had 80% lower odds of displaying exterior tobacco advertisements (OR 0.2, 95% CI [0.1, 0.3]). Conclusion. Millions of lower-income American families may be disproportionately exposed to tobacco marketing at food retailers. Federal, state, and local policies could create healthier retail environments by restricting the marketing and availability of tobacco products and increasing promotions and access to healthy food options.

‘Both Sides of the Argument’? A critical review of existing evidence on the illicit trade in tobacco products in Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (e2) ◽  
pp. e141-e147
Author(s):  
Julia Smith ◽  
Sheryl Thompson ◽  
Kelley Lee
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Illicit Trade ◽  
Tobacco Control Policies ◽  
Transnational Tobacco Companies

IntroductionThe illicit trade in tobacco products (ITTP) is widely recognised as a substantial and complex problem in Canada. However, the independence of available data and quality of analyses remains unknown. Reliable and accurate data on the scale and causes of the problem are needed to inform effective policy responses.MethodsWe searched the scholarly and grey literature using keywords related to ITTP in Canada. We identified 26 studies published in English since 2008 that present original research drawing on primary data. We analysed these studies for their independence from the tobacco industry, methodology, findings and gaps in knowledge.ResultsThe study finds 42% of the literature reviewed has links to the tobacco industry. These studies provide insufficient methodological detail, present higher estimates of the volume of ITTP and attribute the causes to higher rates of tobacco taxation. The classification of all indigenous tobacco sales as illicit, by both industry linked and independent studies, contributes to overestimates and serves the interests of transnational tobacco companies. There is need for independent and comprehensive data on the ITTP in Canada over time, across population groups and geographies.ConclusionWhile there is evidence that the ITTP in Canada is a major and complex issue that requires effective tobacco control policies, there is a limited evidence base on which to develop such responses. This review finds industry-linked studies lack independence, employ biased methodologies and serve tobacco industry interests. Independent studies present more rigorous approaches, but primarily focus on youth and the province of Ontario.

Development of a National Physical Activity Plan for the United States

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel B. Bornstein ◽  
Russell R. Pate ◽  
David M. Buchner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
The United States ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
National State ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Local Levels ◽  
National Physical Activity

Background:Efforts to increase population levels of physical activity are increasingly taking the form of strategic plans at national, state/regional, and local levels. The processes employed for developing such plans have not been described previously. The purpose of this article is to chronicle the processes employed in and lessons learned from developing the US National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP).Methods:The Coordinating Committee oversaw development of the NPAP. Key steps in the process included creating a private–public coalition based in the private sector, organizing the NPAP around 8 societal sectors, reviewing the evidence base for promotion of physical activity in each sector, conducting a national conference to initiate development of the NPAP’s core content, ensuring broad participation in developing and refining the NPAP, and launching the NPAP through a press event that attracted national attention.Results and Conclusion:The 3-year effort to develop the NPAP was guided by a private–public collaborative partnership involving private sector organizations and government agencies. Launched in May 2010, the NPAP included more than 250 evidence-based recommendations for changes to policy and practice at the national, state, and local levels across 8 societal sectors.

scholarly journals Flavored Tobacco Products in the United States: A Systematic Review Assessing Use and Attitudes

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shari P. Feirman ◽  
Diana Lock ◽  
Joanna E. Cohen ◽  
David R. Holtgrave ◽  
Tianjing Li
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
The United States ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Flavored Tobacco

scholarly journals Informing iQOS Regulations in the United States: A Synthesis of What We Know

SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824401989882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla J. Berg ◽  
Yael Bar-Zeev ◽  
Hagai Levine
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
The United States ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Philip Morris ◽  
International Collaborations ◽  
The U.S

The tobacco industry offers various products, including heated tobacco products (HTPs). Philip Morris International’s (PMI) “iQOS” has the greatest HTP market share, as well as research on its use and impact. iQOS was released in 2014 and is now in more than 40 countries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced permission for PMI to sell iQOS in the United States in April 2019, and iQOS was launched in October 2019. Decisions pending its modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) application will occur subsequently. The U.S. regulatory efforts regarding iQOS could be informed by examining (a) Philip Morris USA other product marketing efforts and (b) the iQOS market in countries where it is available. This article briefly addresses these two points with extant literature and suggests that future research should address important gaps in what is currently known, including strategic international collaborations and research, which historically has been critical for advancing tobacco control globally.

scholarly journals Defeating JUUL’s Effort to Rewrite San Francisco’s E-Cigarette Regulations

2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-464
Author(s):  
Neiloy R. Sircar ◽  
Stanton A. Glantz
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Ballot Initiative ◽  
Flavored Tobacco

In 2019, San Francisco, California, prohibited the sale of electronic cigarettes lacking US Food and Drug Administration authorization. JUUL then promoted a ballot initiative (Proposition C) to replace San Francisco’s e-cigarette legislation with legislation JUUL wrote that required future legislation to be approved by the voters. JUUL promoted Proposition C as a way to reduce youth e-cigarette use while allowing adult choice. Health groups argued that JUUL’s measure could nullify San Francisco’s prohibition on selling flavored tobacco products. Health groups benefitted from having an established campaign network that recently defended the flavor ban. They successfully framed Proposition C as a tobacco industry ploy to undo San Francisco’s e-cigarette regulations, particularly the prohibition on selling flavored tobacco products. JUUL ended its campaign on September 30, 2019, and the measure failed on election day, with 82% voting against it. Lessons learned from the campaign include the importance of framing an industry initiative as a threat to local public health lawmaking and the potential for the e-cigarette issue to attract parents as new leaders and engage a powerful constituency to support tobacco control measures.

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