Even without additives, burning tobacco produces carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde 14
One of the groups that wants the menthol ban is OUT Against Big Tobacco Coalitions, an alliance of LGBTQ individuals and community organizations addressing tobacco control and health inequity issues in Californias LGBTQ community
Other minority groups also disproportionately smoke menthols: In 2020, 51% of Hispanic adult smokers reported using menthol cigarettes, compared with 35% of non-Hispanic white adult smokers, according to the CDC
The lesson here is to check the specific product packaging or labeling on an air purifier to be sure you get one designed to filter the VOCs youre targeting
Promotion of Smoke-Free Environments: Implement and enforce smoke-free policies in public places, workplaces, schools, and other settings to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and discourage tobacco use