List of cigarette smoke carcinogens

List of cigarette smoke carcinogens

Cigarette smoke contains a complex mixture of over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known to be harmful to human health. Among these chemicals, there are numerous carcinogens, substances that can lead to cancer. The following is a list of some of the most notable carcinogens found in cigarette smoke:

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a group of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline. They are also produced when tobacco is burned. Some of the PAHs found in cigarette smoke include:

• Benzo(a)pyrene
• Naphthalene
• Anthracene

Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs)

Tobacco-specific nitrosamines are among the most potent carcinogens in cigarette smoke. They are formed during the curing and processing of tobacco. Key TSNAs include:

• N-Nitrosonornicotine (NNN)
• 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)
• N-Nitrosoanatabine (NAT)
• N-Nitrosoanabasine (NAB)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. They are also present in cigarette smoke. Some VOCs that are carcinogenic include:

• Formaldehyde
• Benzene
• Acetaldehyde
• 1,3-Butadiene

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are metallic elements with high densities that are toxic at low concentrations. Cigarette smoke contains several heavy metals that are known carcinogens, including:

• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Nickel
• Chromium

Radioactive Elements

Cigarette smoke contains small amounts of radioactive elements, which can contribute to cancer risk. These include:

• Polonium-210
• Lead-210

Other Carcinogens

In addition to the above categories, cigarette smoke contains other carcinogens such as:

• Acrolein
• 1-Aminonaphthalene
• 2-Aminonaphthalene
• Ethylene oxide
• Hydrazine

Related Pages

• Cigarette
• Tobacco smoking
• Health effects of tobacco
• Smoking cessation
• Secondhand smoke
• Lung cancer
• Carcinogen