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Black Youth Targeted In Menthol Cigarette Marketing

Neighborhoods in California with a high population of African-American students are being targeted by tobacco companies, according to a Stanford University study.

Researchers from Stanford School of Medicine analyzed data collected in 2006 that compared pricing and advertisements for Lorillard’s Newport menthol cigarettes, the top menthol brand, as well as that of Marlboro, the top non-menthol brand.

Data from 407 stores that were within walking distance of 91 California schools were collected in the 2006 survey, according to a recent Reuters report.

Results from the analysis of the survey found that as the population of African-American students rose in a neighborhood, so did the advertising efforts of the Newport tobacco company. In addition, the prices were likely lower as well.

The study did not find similar trends for Marlboro, which is made by Altria Group Inc unit Philip Morris USA.

Head researcher Lisa Henriksen, PhD, senior research scientist at the Stanford Prevention Research Center says that the study “shows a predatory marketing pattern geared to luring young African Americans into becoming smokers.”