A new study from the American Cancer Society finds menthol cigarettes increase the risk of death from all causes more than non-menthol smokes.
All cigarettes are a danger to your health, but menthol cigarettes may pose a bigger threat to your life.
Researchers have discovered a link between menthol cigarettes and an increased risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease.
They followed nearly one million people—including about 355,000 current and former smokers—for six plus years.
According to the results, current smokers, whether menthol or non-menthol, faced the highest mortality risks.
Former smokers who favored menthol brands faced a 12% higher risk of death from all causes, a 16% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, a 13% higher risk of coronary artery disease and 43% greater odds of other heart diseases.
Those currently smoking menthol cigarettes at the highest level—40+ per day—were also found to have an elevated mortality risk. And Black menthol smokers were at particularly high risk for heart disease.
The lead author says, “With these results additionally showing unique mortality effects, it’s time for menthol cigarettes to be regulated to help save lives.”
He says these findings “reiterate that quitting all cigarette types is the only safe option to reduce your risk of disease and dying prematurely.”
Source: Tobacco Control, The American Cancer Society
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