Youth smoking is focus of new Surgeon General report, sources say By William Hudson, CNN March 8, 2012 -- Updated 0157 GMT (0957 HKT) Report is Surgeon General's first since 1994 on tobacco use by youths since Sources: Report centers on how tobacco ad campaigns may influence youth Menthol cigarettes' appeal to younger smokers is also cited in report, sources say A report Monday detailed marketing at stores directed at children (CNN) -- Tobacco companies' advertising and promotional campaigns may influence young adults and adolescents to start smoking, says a new report from the Surgeon General, according to sources familiar with the document. Studies show that the vast majority of smokers begin smoking as young adults, and that the once steady decline in youth smoking has slowed in recent years. Not since 1994 has the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a report on youth smoking. The new report also highlights the effects of state cuts to anti-smoking media campaigns, but stops short of making specific recommendations to other government agencies, sources tell CNN. On Monday the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the American Heart Association released a report called "Deadly Alliance" detailing how tobacco companies market their products at convenience stores in ways resembling safer products for children, like candy. "It is a guiding principle and belief at R.J. Reynolds that minors should never use tobacco products and adults who do not use or have quit using tobacco products should not start," says David Howard, senior director of R.J. Reynolds, the second-largest tobacco company in the United States. Additionally, the marketing of tobacco products should not be targeted to minors and non-tobacco consumers. The role of menthol cigarettes is expected to be discussed in the Surgeon General's report as well. Advocates says menthols are especially appealing to youth smokers because menthol acts as an anesthetic, reducing harshness during inhalation and altering the taste, and making them more palatable to young smokers. Last year an FDA advisory committee concluded that "removal of menthol cigarettes from the marketplace would benefit public health in the United States." Congress granted the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco products in 2009. During that same year the agency banned the sale of flavored cigarettes, but not other flavored tobacco products. The new report is to be released Thursday morning.