Urinary biomarkers are the most widely applied biomarkers for carciniogens from tobacco usage. Urine is predominantly used because it can be captured in such large quantities. Attached is an image of the most common carcinogens in urine from smokers. 

State University of New York at Stony Brook

Carcinogens can either be inhaled or absorbed by the skin. They will be absorbed into the blood and tissues. They have the ability to damage the cell's DNA. Researchers know that carcinogens are absorbed into the body due to biomarkers that are present in blood, urine, and breath. Biomarkers are  biological molecules present in body fluids or tissues.

How do carcinogens get into the body?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). “How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53017/.


Chemistry and Toxicology of Cigarette Smoke

Carcinogens that are present in the body will be converted into forms that will be able to bind to the DNA. This process is called activation. During activation of carcinogens, the enzyme cytochrome P450 will form electrophilic reactive intermediates that are able to bind to the DNA. This reaction will create adducts (carcinogen and DNA bonded) and will be able to give rise to mutations. 

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