The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. Received May 13, 2021.
To the Editor:
Two weeks ago, the FDA announced its long-awaited decision to eliminate menthol flavoring in cigarettes and all flavors in cigars. In doing this, they are bringing to an end a decades-long deference to the tobacco industry, which has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to profit from products that result in death. While we applaud this FDA action, it doesn’t mean the fight is over here in Connecticut.
Eliminating menthol in cigarettes and all flavors in cigars will help combat the health disparities intentionally driven by Big Tobacco’s predatory practices to addict youth, Black, LGBTQ, and low-income communities for decades. This is an important step forward; but it is not a perfect solution. It will take quite some time to be implemented as the rules process takes place. Additionally, this is just a first step, not the end game. It’s critical we don’t stop now, and that Connecticut lawmakers do what we know is best to protect our communities from Big Tobacco’s deadly products.
As a cancer survivor, I have a vested interest in the health of state residents, of all ages and across all communities. With tobacco use being the number one cause of preventable death and responsible for one-third of all cancer deaths, we must continue our efforts at the state level to tackle tobacco use, including passing SB 326 to end the sale of ALL flavored tobacco products.
Please contact your state legislators and urge them to vote in support of SB 326. This law is critical to the health and well-being of our citizens.
Sincerely,
Donna Rogers, Higganum
Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
