front |1 |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 |8 |9 |10 |11 |12 |13 |14 |15 |16 |17 |18 |19 |20 |21 |22 |23 |24 |25 |26 |27 |28 |29 |30 |31 |32 |33 |34 |35 |36 |37 |38 |review |
Tobacco smoke, which is inhaled either directly
or as second-hand smoke, contains an estimated 4,800 compounds. The majority
of the compounds are present in the particulate phase, suspended in tobacco
smoke. Based on a classification system by the International Agency for
Research on Cancer, cigarette smoke contains 11 known human carcinogens
(Group I), 7 probable human carcinogens (Group 2A), and 49 animal
carcinogens that possibly also are carcinogens in humans (Group 2B) (NCI,
2001). Examples of detrimental compounds (some of which are carcinogens) in tobacco smoke include the following: Carbon monoxide: automobile exhaust; binds to hemoglobin, inhibits respiration Hydrogen cyanide: gas chamber poison; highly ciliotoxic, inhibits lung clearance Ammonia: floor/toilet cleaning agent; irritation of respiratory tract Nicotine : addictive substance; toxic alkaloid Benzene: solvent, banned substance in organic chemistry labs; Group I carcinogen Nitrosamines: carcinogenic in animals and probably in humans; Group 2A and 2B carcinogens Lead: heavy metal, toxic to central nervous system; Group 2B carcinogen Cadmium: heavy metal found in rechargeable batteries; Group I carcinogen Hexavalent chromium: highlighted in the movie Erin Brockovich; Group I carcinogen Arsenic: pesticide; Group I carcinogen Polonium-210: radioactive agent; Group I carcinogen Formaldehyde: embalming fluid; Group 2B carcinogen Other substances in tobacco smoke (not listed above) with sufficient evidence to be classified as Group I carcinogens in humans include 2-naphthylamine, 4-aminobiphenyl, vinyl chloride, ethylene oxide, beryllium, and nickel. Note to instructor(s): It is important to emphasize that although nicotine is the addictive component of tobacco, it does not cause the ill health effects. National Cancer Institute (NCI). (2001). Risks Associated with Low Machine-Measured Yields of Tar and Nicotine (NIH Publication No. 02-5074). Smoking and Tobacco Control Monograph No. 13. Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Slide is used with permission, Rx for Change: Clinician-Assisted Tobacco Cessation. Copyright © 1999-2007 The Regents of the University of California, University of Southern California, and Western University of Health Sciences. All rights reserved. |