Menthol Should Not Be Given a Free Pass Based on Studies of Biomarkers of Toxicity

Exposure and toxicity studies comparing menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes have resulted in mixed results. On the basis of those results, cigarette manufacturers have concluded that there is no increased harm from the addition of menthol to cigarettes. We propose that such a narrow definition of harm is not appropriate in dealing with the issue of menthol, and its broader negative public health impact. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1269–71. ’2011 AACR. In this issue, Caraballo and colleagues add to the growing body of literature concerning the biomarkers of toxicity of menthol added to cigarettes (1). Even laboratory-based exposure studies (carbon monoxide, cotinine) have had mixed results, with some studies reporting decreased values, some increased, and some no difference when menthol cigarettes (compared with nonmenthol cigarettes) are smoked (2–9). These results, and the generally null results reported following exam