Studies and Concepts Under Review

Menthol Cigarettes: No Disproportionate Impact on Public Health

Submitted to FDA by the Non-Voting Industry Representatives on TPSAC and Other Tobacco Industry Stakeholders

March 23, 2011

Read complete report
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/TobaccoProductsScientificAdvisoryCommittee/UCM249320.pdf

Major conclusions include:

• Menthol in Cigarettes Does Not Change the Inherent Health Risks of Cigarette Smoking
• Evidence on Menthol and Smoking Topography is Inadequate to Support a Conclusion that
• Menthol Cigarettes are Smoked More Intensely
• Evidence is Inadequate to Conclude that Menthol in Cigarettes Influences Smoking Initiation
• Menthol in Cigarettes Has No Meaningful Impact on Smoking Cessation
• Menthol in Cigarettes Has No Meaningful Impact on Nicotine Dependence
• Numerous Hypotheses Put Forth by TPSAC are Speculative and Cannot Serve as the basis for Regulatory Policy
• A Ban on Menthol Cigarettes Will Result in Significant Countervailing Effects