Menthol Cigarettes

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Menthol cigarettes have a minty taste that makes some smokers think they are healthier than regular cigarettes. This is not true! In fact, menthol cigarettes contain even more chemicals than regular cigarettes. Also, menthol can make it easier for a smoker to inhale deeply, which may allow more chemicals to enter the lungs. As a result, menthol cigarettes may be even more harmful than regular cigarettes.

Additional Information on Menthol Cigarettes:

Publications

1.     The First Conference on Menthol Cigarettes: Setting the Research Agenda — This booklet summarizes information and findings of The First Conference on Menthol Cigarettes held in March 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia. It includes information on the history, sociology, epidemiology, pharmacology, and toxicology of menthol cigarettes as well as the proposed future research agenda.

   http://dccps.nci.nih.gov/tcrb/MentholExecSumRprt4_10-16.pdf

2. Questions About Smoking, Tobacco, and Health (Copyright © ACS) — This publication answers common questions about health and tobacco use. It provides information on the various health effects of smoking, addiction, and the harmful chemicals cigarettes contain.

   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2x_Questions_About_Smoking_Tobacco_and_Health.asp...

3.   Top Facts: Menthol Cigarettes (Copyright © BACCHUS Network) — This fact sheet discusses what menthol cigarettes are and how they differ from normal cigarettes. It also provides information on which gender, age, and racial groups were used as target markets for menthol cigarettes.

   http://www.tobaccofreeu.org/pdf/Menthol_Facts.pdf

Organizations

1.   National Cancer Institute, NIH, HHS
2. American Cancer Society

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 19, 2008.