TABLE 2—
Arguments | FSPTCA News (Apr 2008–Jun 2009; n = 142), % | TPSAC News (Jul 2009–Jun 2011; n = 300), % | TPSAC Documents (Jul 2009–Jun 11; n = 235), % |
Proban | |||
Ban would improve public health | 21 | 24 | 8 |
Tobacco industry targets African Americans, youths | 8 | 3 | 11 |
Menthol cigarettes are uniquely dangerous | 6 | 10 | 14 |
Menthol cigarettes contribute to health disparities | 3 | 2 | 9 |
Industry negotiates in bad faith | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Proban total | 39 | 40 | 42 |
Antiban | |||
Ban would create a black market | 16 | 22 | 14 |
Ban would harm industry, government revenue | 6 | 8 | 9 |
Ban would harm freedom, choice | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Menthol not uniquely dangerous | 5 | 5 | 9 |
Menthol science is uncertain | 3 | 6 | 8 |
Antiban total | 35 | 46 | 44 |
Racial bias | |||
Proban: policy discriminates against African American smokers | 18 | 4 | 3 |
Antiban: policy discriminates against African American smokers | 2 | 8 | 0 |
Proban: menthol usage is high among African American smokers | 6 | 0 | 9 |
Antiban: menthol usage is high among African American smokers | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Racial bias total | 27 | 14 | 15 |
Note. FSPTCA = Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act; TPSAC = Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Columns do not add to 100% because of rounding.