Menthol cigarettes are overwhelmingly used by Black and Hispanic smokers in New York due to targeted marketing in their communities, a new state health report reveals.
The study, titled “Menthol is Not Just a Flavor,” highlights that 88% of Black or African American adults who smoke use menthol cigarettes, along with 70% of Hispanic smokers.
The report also notes that menthol cigarette use is higher among adults with annual incomes under $26,000, at 61%, compared to 42% for those earning more.
This suggests that tobacco companies are focusing their advertising efforts on lower-income and minority populations, fueling persistent disparities in smoking rates and health outcomes.
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