Selected toxic compounds identified in tobacco smoke 20–23
| Chemical compounds | Toxic effects |
|---|---|
| Carbonyl compounds | |
| Formaldehyde*, acetaldehyde*, acrolein* | Cytotoxic, carcinogenic, irritant, pulmonary emphysema, dermatitis |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) | |
| Benzene*, toluene*, aniline | Carcinogenic, haematotoxic, neurotoxic, irritant |
| Nitrosamines | |
| N′–nitrosonornicotine (NNN)*, 4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)*, N′-nitrosoethylomethyloamine | Carcinogenic |
| Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) | |
| Benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, dibenzo(a)anthracene | Carcinogenic |
| Free radicals | |
| Methyl radical, hydroxyl radical, nitrogen monoxide | Carcinogenic, neurotoxic |
| Toxic gases | |
| Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen cyanide | Cardiovascular toxicants, carcinogenic, irritant |
| Heavy metals | |
| Cadmium (Cd)*, lead (Pb)*, mercury (Hg)* | Carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, haematotoxic |
| Other toxicants | |
| Carbon disulfide | Neurotoxic |
*Indicates compounds analysed in this study.