Menthol cigarettes’ taste and smell can hide early warnings and symptoms of respiratory problems from smoking.1 Because menthol masks the bitter harshness of cigarette smoke, people who smoke menthol cigarettes often smoke more and inhale more deeply, which means higher amounts of toxic chemicals and tar over time. Menthol increases the risk of becoming addicted to tobacco.1
References:
1 “Tobacco Industry Knowledge of the Role of Menthol in Chemosensory Perception of Tobacco Smoke.” Kreslake, Jennifer M., and Valerie B. Yerger. Nicotine & Tobacco Research 12, no. Supplement 2 (December 2010).
