WASHINGTON, DC | July 27, 2022
Today, the American Lung Association and United States Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) containing signatures of 1,040 health professionals from all 50 states in support of the two proposed rules to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. It was delivered to Robert M. Califf, MD, Commissioner of the FDA and Brian King, PhD, MPH, Director of FDA’s Center of Tobacco Products.
The letter, which was signed by nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dentists, public health professionals and other healthcare workers across the country who are dedicated to protecting the lives of Americans, shows strong support for the proposed rules to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars from the medical community. Just some of the notable signers include Robert Golden, MD, Dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Karen Antman, MD, Dean of the Boston University School of Medicine and Former Deputy Director, NCI; Sten H. Vermund, MD, PhD, Yale School of Public Health; Amber Barnato, MD, MPH, Director of The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice; and Paul Klotman, MD, President & CEO and Executive Dean of the Baylor College of Medicine.
On April 28, the FDA announced two proposed rules, one to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and one to end the sale of flavored cigars. The public has until August 2, 2022 to submit comments. After the comment period ends, the FDA reviews and responds to each comment and finalizes the rule.
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The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups, is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health and safety, our financial security, or our right to fully participate in our democratic society. U.S. PIRG is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.
For more information, contact:
Jill Dale
312-940-7001
[email protected]
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