Wisconsin health officials highlight risks of menthol tobacco products [Video]

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – A new digital campaign hopes to combat advertising and reduce smoking.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is highlighting the health risks of menthol tobacco products.

The goal is to reach people most targeted by tobacco marketing and menthol use.

The DHS is calling it a digital education and outreach campaign.

It says menthol remains widely in use, with menthol sales increasing over the last decade.

DHS says in that time, menthol tobacco advertisements have been disproportionately promoted to African-American and other communities of color.

As a result of these advertising methods, the DHS says 9 in 10 African-Americans in Wisconsin who smoke use menthol.

Health officials say smoke contributes to the three leading causes of death among this community: Heart disease, cancer and stroke.

It’s also impacting young people. DHS says 9,300 people under age 18 in Wisconsin try cigarettes for the first time …