In the U.S., about 30 percent of all adult smokers and 40 percent of all youth smokers report smoking mentholated cigarettes. While the number of overall smokers has declined, the number of menthol smokers has remained steady, and menthol smokers have more difficulty quitting.

Researchers at Duke University and the University of Connecticut found that because menthol suppresses smoke-induced irritation in the airways of the lungs, this makes them easier to inhale, which in turn increases the dosage of nicotine.

 

 

The finding could provide evidence for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is seeking input as it decides whether to regulate menthol cigarettes more stringently than unflavored cigarettes. Menthol cigarettes are especially popular with young, beginning smokers and with minority populations, Dr. Jordt added.

 

The study is published in the journal PLOS ONE_.