Is non-menthol cigarettes better for you?
No. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration found that it is “likely that menthol cigarettes pose a public health risk above that seen with non-menthol cigarettes.” That’s because the minty coolness of the menthol can cover up the harshness of the cigarette, so people smoke more.
Why is menthol cigarettes worse than non-menthol?
Because menthol flavoring masks the harsh taste of cigarette smoke, menthol smokers engage in more intense smoking behaviors than smokers of regular cigarettes. As a result, they suffer greater damage to their health.
What’s the difference between non-menthol and menthol cigarettes?
In terms of safety, there doesn’t seem to be any difference between a menthol and non-menthol cigarette. Both types of tobacco products are associated with illness and mortality. In cigarettes, manufacturers use menthol as a flavor additive because it can soothe and cool the irritation that’s associated with smoking.
Are menthol cigarettes more harmful?
Why are menthol cigarettes more harmful than non-menthol ones? Because of the masking effect of menthol, people end up inhaling smoke from menthol cigarettes more deeply. People also tend to hold the smoke longer in their lungs due to its cooling properties.
What does menthol cigarettes do to your lungs?
Menthol has a cooling and anesthetic (or pain killing) effect. This also decreases the cough reflex and can soothe the dry throat feeling that many smokers have. As a result, menthol smokers may inhale more deeply, hold the smoke in the lungs longer, and get more exposure to the dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke.
Do menthols crystallize your lungs?
While we can’t set your mind at ease about smoking cigarettes, we can at least reassure you that the menthol in menthol cigarettes is not crystallizing in your lungs or otherwise damaging your health. Menthol makes skin feel colder by stimulating the nerve endings that detect cold.
Are menthol cigarettes harder to quit?
The chemical compound menthol makes cigarettes easier to smoke and harder to quit. Menthol creates a cooling effect, reduces the harshness of cigarette smoke and suppresses coughing.
Why does menthol make you breathe better?
Menthol has been shown to reduce dyspnea in many respiratory conditions (1–3). It is a naturally-occurring cold receptor agonist that specifically activates the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel in the skin and mucous membranes (2).
Does menthol help asthma?
It works directly in the lungs to make breathing easier by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways. This medication must be used regularly to prevent breathing problems (attacks of wheezing/shortness of breath). It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve an asthma attack.