Rumors abound about how menthol cigarettes are different from regular cigarettes. Advertising that uses words like "minty," "light" and "mild" lead consumers to believe that these cigarettes are actually less dangerous, but according to the American Cancer Association, the exact opposite may be true. They purport that there is no such thing as a safe cigarette and that the cooling and less intense flavors of menthol cigarettes may actually lead to more problems, like increased consumption of carcinogens.
Increased Difficulty Quitting
All cigarettes are addictive, but according to The American Cancer Society, menthol cigarettes may be more addictive than regular cigarettes. They point to several studies that indicate people who smoked menthol cigarettes had a harder time quitting and had lower cessation success rates. The findings were so significant that the American Cancer Society points out that some smokers might have a better chance of quitting if they switch to regular cigarettes before giving up both kinds.
Increased Nicotine and Carcinogen Inhalation
According to the American Cancer Society, the average smoker takes 10 hits from each cigarette, delivering approximately 200 mg of nicotine. For menthol smokers, this number may be increased because menthol smokers tend to suck in more smoke and hold it deeper and longer in the lungs. This not only feeds them more nicotine, but also exposes them to a larger dose of the other cancer-causing agents in cigarettes.
Decreased Cough Reflex and Throat Sensations
Cigarettes flavored with menthol cool the back of the throat and make it easier to smoke. They also help suppress your body's natural instinct to cough when a foreign substance enters the airway. Those who smoke regular cigarettes are more likely to experience dry throat and smoker's cough, which may deter some from smoking.
Lung Cancer and Heart Disease
Like traditional cigarettes, menthol cigarettes are an addictive substance that increases your risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease. Smoking increases blood pressure and damages the blood vessels. It also deposits cancer-causing chemicals into the lungs on a regular basis. The American Cancer Society suggests that one of the most important decisions you could ever make for your health is to quit smoking.
