Menthol in cigarettes reduces the pain, irritation and itching associated with tobacco smoke, making it more comfortable to smoke. As a result, menthol cigarettes are more appealing to first-time smokers, allowing for a faster progression from experimentation to regular use. Furthermore, menthol's cooling effects in the lungs allow you to inhale more often, more deeply and hold the smoke longer, increasing lung exposure to nicotine. Nicotine is not only addictive, but it contributes to heart disease, cancer and other diseases.