Based on recent studies, the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering banning sales of menthol cigarettes. For years, these were thought to be less toxic than regular cigarettes however, Dr. Mark Clanton, member of the American Cancer Society, denies that these have lower levels of tobacco, adding that removing them from the market would greatly benefit public health.
Studies have shown that their flavor makes them more attractive for specific groups, such as teenagers and women, who are the main consumers of these type of cigarettes. In addition, they are more addictive and therefore, it is also being considered whether to order that levels of flavoring in them be reduced.
Meanwhile, representatives from the tobacco industry argued before an advisory panel from the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, during a meeting held in March in Maryland, that menthol cigarettes are no more harmful than regular cigarettes, insisting that there is no evidence that shows an increase in the mortality rate among menthol cigarette smokers when compared to non-menthol cigarette smokers.
Every day, 10 people die in Costa Rica from medical conditions caused by smoking, making this a serious public health concern for the country. Convinced of the gravity of the situation, Health Minister, María Luis Ávila, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Red Nacional Antitabaco (Renata) (National Anti-Tobacco Network) requested President Chichilla to immediately resume the discussion and approval of Bill 17317 which, in addition to establishing a ban on smoking in public places, will impose high taxes on cigarettes and jail sentences for those who sell cigarettes to minors. At the insistence of various groups, the bill was reconvened by the Executive Branch for its discussion at the Legislative Assembly during the last week of March. Meanwhile, thousands of Costa Ricans have joined the Yo soy Tic@, YO NO FUMO! (I'm a Tic@, I DON'T SMOKE!) initiative, which promotes the right to smoke-free places, both through Facebook as well as on the media.
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