Fighting addiction: the US wants to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes

The White House is considering implementing a measure that would force cigarette companies to adjust nicotine levels in their products to non-addictive or minimally addictive levels. Writes about it Independent.

Photo: Shutterstock

It is also reported that the administration of US President Joe Biden is considering a complete ban on menthol cigarettes, which have long been considered the entry point for young smokers.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees tobacco, must respond to a petition from citizens to ban menthol cigarettes by April 29.

FDA sources say there is strong support for the menthol cigarette and small cigar ban.

On the subject: In New York, increased the legal age of smoking and buying cigarettes

The 2009 Tobacco Control Act banned the addition of candy, fruit and spice flavors to cigarettes because of their potential appeal to children, but did not address menthol.

The FDA estimates that there are over 19 million menthol cigarette smokers in the United States, and the vast majority are African American.

The agency says nicotine itself does not cause cancer, lung disease or heart disease, but it is addictive to cigarettes, which causes 480 deaths in the United States each year.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Wall Street tobacco stocks plummeted after news of a potential ban emerged, with Altria down more than 6%, British American Tobacco down 2% and Philip Morris International more than 1%.

“Any actions taken by the FDA must be based on science and evidence, and consider the real-world consequences of such actions, including the growth of the illicit market and the impact on hundreds of thousands of jobs from the farm to local stores across the country,” said Altria spokesman George Parman.

Read also on ForumDaily:

A worm in an ear and an elephant in a room: English idioms, ignorance of which can create an awkward situation

Ten films for learning English

Green tea, marijuana and coronavirus: dispel myths about treatment and risks

What happens to the body if you use marijuana every day

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.