COLUMBUS, OHIO – Thursday, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) joined other tobacco-free partners from the Coalition to End Tobacco Targeting to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes in the city of Columbus.
Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death. Nationwide, an estimated 480,000 people die yearly from smoking tobacco products, including flavored tobacco products, which Big Tobacco uses to intentionally target young people, communities of color, particularly Black communities, LGBTQ and limited-income populations.
“With kid-friendly flavors, this industry is targeting young people to lure them into a lifetime of addiction, a well-proven strategy of Big Tobacco, said Leo Almeida, ACS CAN Ohio government relations director. “For decades, Big Tobacco has ruthlessly targeted our communities, using fruit and candy flavors like chocolate, cotton candy and minty sweet menthol to prey on youth to become the next generation of tobacco users. It’s clear: flavors hook kids.”
Flavored tobacco products pose a serious public health risk and are contributing to recent increases in youth tobacco use. ACS CAN urges the City of Columbus to continue reining in Big Tobacco and the proliferation of flavored tobacco products by ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, in Columbus.
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN have successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.