Ban on menthol cigarettes on the way in the EU

The EU is planning to ban menthol cigarettes in order to prevent young Europeans from taking up the smoking habit. Other plans include stricter rules on 'slim' cigarettes which would have to be sold in normal cigarette boxes (to lessen their appeal to females) and introducing combined graphic and text health warnings covering 65% of cigarette packaging. Electronic cigarettes are not covered in the proposal, but according to the Irish Health Minister James Reilly, they could become a target for future legislation as they contain harmful levels on nicotine and thus may pose health risks to users. The changes are expected to take effect by 2017. According to studies we covered before, not only do menthol cigarettes appeal more to young people due to their refreshing flavour, but they also increase the risk of kids becoming regular smokers (with non menthol tobacco).

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