FDA: Menthol Cigarettes Likely Pose a Greater Public Health Risk Than Regular Cigarettes

By Kelly Young

Menthol cigarettes likely constitute a public health hazard beyond regular cigarettes, according to an FDA review released Tuesday. The agency is considering tightening the rules on menthol cigarettes.

The review of studies found that menthol in cigarettes is likely associated with changed physiologic responses to tobacco smoke, increased initiation of smoking by youth (later progressing to regular cigarettes), increased dependence, and reduced likelihood of successfully quitting smoking. People who are younger, female, black, and of a lower socioeconomic background are more likely than other groups to smoke menthols.

Menthol is not associated with biomarker changes, smoke toxicity, or increased risk for disease, compared with nonmenthol cigarettes.

The agency is seeking public input before it takes any regulatory action.