Smokers will now have to settle for chewing gum in an attempt to mask their breath. From this Wednesday, menthol cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco are banned throughout Europe.
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A decision which follows from the European directive on tobacco dating from 2014, activating the ban on those "containing a particular characterizing flavor" . Cigarettes with chocolate, vanilla and fruity scents, very appreciated by the young generation, have therefore disappeared from the display of tobacconists since that date, but not those with Menthol. Although affected by the ban, they were granted a stay until May 20.
Deadly agents
However, these cigarettes which leave a fresh taste of chlorophyll in the mouth very different from conventional tobacco, are no less dangerous. They could even prove to be more harmful, explains doctor Michel Jean, cardiologist at the Rangueil hospital in Toulouse and president of the association Capitole Stop Tabac. In particular because of this taste which masks that much less pleasant of a traditional cigarette, caused by all the harmful products which this one contains. The smoker therefore "draws two to three times more. As a result, they absorb a lot more nicotine, which is not dangerous for health but which is addictive, and this results in the release of two to three times more significant carbon monoxide, the killer gas ", specifies- he. Besides the menthol cigarette contains more tars, another deadly agent.
Hervé Martini, addictologist and secretary general of ANPAA (National Association for Prevention in Alcohology and Addictology) is delighted with this ban, which has been awaited for several years. It was during their fight against perfumed cigarettes that the associations fighting against smoking went to war against menthol tobacco "created to be a pure commercial product in order to attract a different audience" , says Hervé Martini. In the 70s and 80s, tobacco sellers wanted to conquer a new clientele, at the time rather masculine and elderly. With this new product, they were able to address women and a younger audience, sending back an image of freshness, with an attractive packaging with the aim of "sweetening the harmfulness".
"Reduce advertising pressure"
“Our objective is to reduce this advertising pressure. We managed to ban cigarettes with sweet tastes, which was easier because they were aimed at a young audience so it shocked more. Whereas in the case of menthol, the tobacco lobby lobbied by ensuring that they were aimed at an older audience, " explains Hervé Martini.
However, the associations finally won their case and as of tomorrow these cigarettes will no longer be on sale throughout Europe. This is a positive point for ANPAA, which calls for a "coherent policy on a European scale", particularly with regard to the rise in tobacco prices. Last March, the price of a pack of cigarettes increased once again, to 11 euros for certain brands.