By Promise Calloway

Last month, Community Voices featured a conversation about the leading factor in preventable deaths for Black Individuals in the U.S.: tobacco. Specifically, menthol tobacco - which is more addictive than standard tobacco and aggressively marketed to people of color. 

Joining us for this important discussion were local health and research experts, a representative from the Washington State Department of Health, and a real community member impacted by menthol tobacco. 

We are seeing a large increase in menthol smoking specifically in the Black community, with 83% of Black smokers perfering menthol nationally, compared to 35% of white smokers. This is due to targeted advertisement, easy accessibility, and the minty flavoring. 

“Menthol is a substance made from peppermint that is added to tobacco that reduces irritation that cigarette smoking causes” said Dr. John Vassall, CEO of Foundation for Health Care Quality. He says, “this makes it easier to get the smoke into your system and makes it more of pleasurable experience” 

Menthol enhances the addictive properties of nicotine, making initiation with menthol cigarettes particularly detrimental.

When asked if we should be worried about only cigarettes, Cenora Akhidenor, the Health Promotion Coordinator for Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department stated, “All tobacco products are harmful. They are addictive and increase health risks, whether you are vaping or smoking cigarettes. It causes tobacco-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and various types of cancers”.

There are more components that contribute to menthol tobacco addictiveness other than the chemicals. Dr. Vassal explains, “Part of it starts with how we choose to interact with it. It can become a part of our routine and an essential part of relaxation”.

Jharman Lightner is the Research Director for the Anchor Group and has done a ton of work with the community when it comes to menthol tobacco, “Having connection with the community was a huge part of this research and it was not a simple process”. 

Lightner shares, “One of the key takeaways for me was the attitude of defeat. With so many attempts to quit, the prevalence of tobacco in our communities, and the stress people are under in their lives, it makes it easy to attach to menthol”. 

Young people who initiate using menthol cigarettes are more likely to become addicted and become long-term daily smokers. So, how do we prevent young people from going down this path?

Lightner says, “We need to help them become positive influencers in their communities. There is negative peer pressure, but there is also positive peer pressure!”.

When working in prevention it is important to educate people, spread awareness, and be empathetic to their situation. 

If you or someone you know struggles with menthol tobacco addiction find healthy replacements, stick to your decision, and explore resources to help. 

Akhidenor shared the Sensations Support Group during the panel. “They are individuals coming together to share common experiences about tobacco and their tobacco journey”.

Please be sure to check out this insightful Community Voices panel on our Youtube channel for more information and resources!

You can watch the full show above and find out more here