Many of the carcinogens that are found in tobacco smoke can also be found in grilled foods, engine exhaust, and the general environment. There are certain tobacco specific PAHs such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and N-nitrosamine, NNK (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1- butanone). 


How do we know that the carcinogens are tobacco specific? 


Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
,N-nitrosamines
,aldehydes
,volatile organic hydrocarbons and metals



State University of New York at Stony Brook

Carcinogens are any substance that will contribute to the formation of cancers. Carcinogens range from naturally occurring compounds to radioactive substances. Carcinogens consist of two categories: Genotoxic compounds and non-genotoxic compounds. 


What are carcinogens? 

 Hurley, S, Winnall, WR, Greenhalgh, EM & Winstanley, MH. 3.3 Smoking and cancer. In Greenhalgh, EM, Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors].  Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2020. Available from  http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-3-health-effects/3-3-smoking-and-cancer

Smoking and Cancer 

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?

Genotoxic carcinogens will change the sequence of a cell’s DNA. As we know, DNA is a long chain of repeated molecular units that dictate the growth, function, and development of the cell. DNA sequence changes can lead to problems of uncontrolled growth and later cancer. The non-genotoxic effects of cigarette smoke can also contribute to cancer formation without changing DNA sequencing. changing the sequencing of the DNA. Their mode of transportation can be seen in creating oxidative stress, intercepting hormonal and signal transduction pathways, and epigenetics

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