Is Menthol Harmful?

Menthol, derived from peppermint and corn mint, is a flavoring substance commonly found in cigarettes, chewing gum and mouthwashes. Its use in tobacco cigarettes has caused alarm due to its ability to increase the negative health effects of smoking.

Effects

• Menthol cigarette users may find quitting smoking harder. A study by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) found that although menthol smokers smoked fewer cigarettes per day, they had a harder time quitting.

Considerations

• Menthol acts as a mild anesthetic and makes inhaling cigarette smoke easier. The ease of inhaling menthol-flavored cigarette smoke can cause more damage because a higher number of carcinogens can make their way into the lungs.

Implications

• As of October 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing the legality of menthol cigarette sales. The FDA banned the use of herbal and fruit flavored cigarettes in 2009 and is considering extending the ban to menthol.