FDA approval of menthol e-cigarettes criticized by anti-tobacco groups

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The FDA's recent approval of menthol e-cigarettes has sparked significant backlash from anti-tobacco organizations, who argue that the decision undermines public health efforts. The agency’s rigorous scientific review concluded that the benefits to adult smokers who completely switch to a less harmful product, such as e-cigarettes, outweigh the risks to youth. The FDA will closely monitor the marketing of these products and implement stringent marketing restrictions to prevent youth access and exposure, recognizing the ongoing concerns about the risk of e-cigarette use among young people.

Source

Birdsey J, Cornelius M, Jamal A, et al. Tobacco Product Use Among U.S. Middle and High School Students — National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:1173–1182. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7244a1

Additional Reading

https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/21/health/fda-menthol-vapes-response/index.html#:~:text=Paris%20Olympics-,FDA%20sign%2Doff%20on%20menthol%20e%2Dcigarettes%20'flies%20in,%2C'%20anti%2Dtobacco%20groups%20say&text=Four%20menthol%20vaping%20products%20were,get%20the%20agency's%20sign%2Doff.

https://www.fightcancer.org/releases/fda-defies-public-health-authorizing-menthol-e-cigarettes-sale-fails-protect-youth-lifetime

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/21/us/fda-menthol-ecigarettes.html#:~:text=The%20F.D.A.%20said%20it%20also,some%20benefits%20for%20adult%20smokers.