AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Tobacco smoke is made up of thousands of chemicals, including at least 70 known to cause cancer. These cancer-causing chemicals are referred to as carcinogens.

Detailed explanation-2: -In summary, cigarette smoke contains diverse carcinogens. PAH, N-nitrosamines, aromatic amines, 1, 3-butadiene, benzene, aldehydes, and ethylene oxide are probably the most important carcinogens because of their carcinogenic potency and levels in cigarette smoke.

Detailed explanation-3: -Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens. Workplace exposure to asbestos and other substances known to cause cancer-such as arsenic, chromium and nickel-can increase your risk of developing lung cancer, especially if you’re a smoker.

Detailed explanation-4: -Chemicals from cigarettes damage DNA. Cigarette chemicals make it harder for cells to repair any DNA damage. They also damage the parts of DNA that protect us from cancer. It’s the build-up of DNA damage in the same cell over time that leads to cancer.

Detailed explanation-5: -Key Messages. Tobacco smoke contains over 4, 000 chemicals, of which more than 70 are known to cause, initiate or promote cancer and are called “carcinogens". Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of developing cancer.