The University of Kentucky is kicking off a five-year study that will examine tobacco-related health disparities due to the use of flavored tobacco. Mindy Ickes is an assistant dean of research at UK’s College of Education and the author of the successful grant application to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“There's really a disproportionate burden of tobacco use and health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. And they're often targeted by the tobacco industry with appealing products, price promotions, and easy access.”
Seven other sites are participating in the 15-million dollar study. The FDA is currently in the process of trying to ban menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobaccos. Ickes said the menthol-flavored products are especially dangerous.
“It kind of masks the harshness of the products. It gives it more of a coolant flavor, and it's also stronger. So people tend to become more dependent more quickly when they're using menthol products.”
Ickes said the study’s goal is to provide communication, intervention and treatment strategies for at-risk communities.
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