Pre-reading questions:
- What do you already know about cigars and cigarettes, and how would you differentiate between the two?
- Can you recall any specific details about the health risks associated with smoking cigars or cigarettes?
Vocabulary:
- significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/
- prohibit /proh-HIB-it/
- ban /ban/
- penalty /PEN-l-tee /
- manufacturer /man-yuh-FAK-cher-er/
[adjective] – important or noticeable
The significant increase in renewable energy production marked a pivotal milestone in the country’s efforts to combat climate change.
[verb] – to officially refuse to allow something
The school board decided to prohibit the use of cell phones during class hours to enhance students’ focus and academic performance.
[verb] – to forbid (refuse to allow) something, especially officially
The city council voted to ban the use of single-use plastic bags in an effort to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable practices.
[noun] – a punishment, or the usual punishment, for doing something that is against a law
The penalty for illegal parking in this area is a fine of $50, and repeat offenders may face towing of their vehicle.
[noun] – a company that produces goods in large numbers
The automobile manufacturer employs thousands of workers in its state-of-the-art factory, producing thousands of vehicles each month.
Article reading:
In addition, the FDA is also suggesting product standards that would prohibit menthol as a defining flavor in cigarettes and all defining flavors (except for tobacco) in cigars. These standards are based on strong scientific evidence about how addictive and harmful these products can be. They build upon the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which already banned defining flavors in cigarettes back in 2009. This effort aligns with the Administration’s ambitious Cancer Moonshot, which aims to significantly reduce deaths related to cancer in the next 25 years. Knowing that tobacco use is still a major cause of cancer and related deaths, these proposed standards are a crucial move towards enhancing public health. By making menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars less appealing, especially to young people, these measures could encourage quitting and ultimately save lives. The FDA wants to make it clear that individual consumers will not face penalties for having or using these products; enforcement will mainly target manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who do not comply with the proposed rules.
Comprehension questions
- What is the FDA considering in relation to menthol in cigarettes and flavored cigars?
- Why does the American Lung Association see this as a significant step?
- What are the proposed product standards by the FDA regarding menthol and flavored cigars?
- When did the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act ban defining flavors in cigarettes?
- Why are these proposed standards considered a crucial move towards enhancing public health?
Discussion questions
- Have you heard about the possible rule from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to stop menthol in cigarettes and flavored cigars? If so, what do you think about this idea? If not, how do you think such a rule might affect public health?
- Did you see any changes in how menthol cigarettes or flavored cigars are sold or advertised in your local area? If so, can you tell me what you noticed? If not, have you ever talked about these products in your community?
- Do you believe that stopping menthol in cigarettes and flavored cigars could make a big difference in reducing tobacco-related health problems and making sure everyone has a fair chance at good health?
- What do you think about the way they plan to make sure the rule is followed, focusing on the companies that make, sell, and distribute these products rather than individual people? Do you think this is a good way to make the rule work? Why or why not?
- Do you believe making menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars less appealing will make a big difference in how many young people smoke and ultimately save lives? Why or why not?