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AFP
AFP
Washington (AFP) – US health authorities announced Thursday their intent to soon ban menthol cigarettes, adding the action would save hundreds of thousands of lives. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to issue new product standards that would classify menthol as a flavor, which are banned in cigarettes, and also ban all flavored cigars. Menthol “has anesthetic properties and qualities that help mask the harshness and irritation of tobacco smoke,” acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock told reporters. In a statement, the FDA added that studies show menthol facilitates progressio…