Smoking & How to Quit

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.

African Americans and Menthols

Most African American smokers smoke menthols. As smoking rates have gone down among Whites, cigarette companies have worked hard to hook more African Americans on menthol cigarettes. For example, the company that makes Kool cigarettes recently launched an ad campaign featuring young hip hop artists in hopes of getting more young African Americans hooked on their cigarettes.

Additional Information on Menthol Cigarettes:

Content last updated March 19, 2008.

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