National African American Tobacco Prevention Network (NAATPN), an antismoking group, pulls support for bill to regulate tobacco in the U.S.A..

June 17, 2008 - It is felt the legislation (Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act) failed to adequately protect the health of African-Americans. The because it would not ban menthol flavorings from cigarettes . Menthol brands are chosen by about 75% of African-American smokers, a group with a disproportionate share of smoking-related cancers. That special protection for menthol has been considered crucial to getting the nation's biggest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, to support the legislation, said the report. Menthol-flavored cigarettes account for more than 25% of the $70 billion domestic cigarette market. PM USA's Marlboro Menthol is the second-largest menthol brand behind Newport, made by Lorillard. For related news briefs: Public health experts are questioning why menthol flavoring in cigarettes, received special protection as Congress tries to regulate tobacco for the first time.. Reference: Group Pulls Support of Tobacco Bill Rejects legislation that does not ban menthol, CSP Daily News, 6/2/2008.