Effects of Smoking: Carcinogens Medical Study
Facts About Lung Cancer: Carcinogens & Cigarette Smoke
Oct 7, 2009
“20 carcinogens convincingly cause lung tumors in laboratory animals...likely to be involved in lung cancer induction..polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ...[and] nitrosamine 4-1-1- butanone...likely to play major roles,” according to a University of Minnesota Cancer Center, USA study.
The Minnesota University study results are in an article titled, “Tobacco Smoke Carcinogens and Lung Cancer.” The article, dated July 21, 1999, is published on the PubMed web site. The author is Hecht SS.
Causes of Lung Cancer
The carcinogen aromatic hydrocarbon is a compound with a benzene ring. Benzene, a coal tar, is toxic when absorbed, ingested, or inhaled, according to the Farlex Medical Dictionary on-line. The carcinogen nitrosamine is a tobacco ketone (butanone) related compound linked to the development of cancer, and is a carcinogenic and mutagenic in lab animals, according to Farlex.
The Minnesota University study focus was on the health effects of certain carcinogens in tobacco smoke. The study purpose was to provide a “mechanistic framework” which links nicotine addiction and lung cancer. The framework would include studies of nicotine compounds and how tobacco smoke carcinogens cause DNA genetic changes.
Current research about tobacco carcinogens versus DNA effects is “reasonably” comprehended, but has not reached its full potential, according to the Minnesota University study.
A database of lab animal research relevant to tobacco and tobacco smoke inhalation was studied. The study conclusion suggested focusing on “several important carcinogens” for the purpose of reducing cancer from tobacco use, and adapting new methodologies for lung cancer prevention.
Effects of Nicotine Addiction & Lung Cancer Statistics
“Over 438,000 Americans die from diseases directly related to cigarette smoking each year,” according to The American Lung Association (ALA). The ALA (author unknown) article, dated 2008, is titled, “Tobacco Use: What is the Connection Between Tobacco Use and Lung Disease?”
The ALA article states that cigarette smoke contains about “4,000 chemicals...over 60 of which are known to cause cancer...” The ALA predicts that about 50% of cigarette smokers will be killed from nicotine addiction. The article states that smoking causes one out of every five deaths in the U.S.
The COPD & Coronary Heart Disease Link
The additional medical dangers of tobacco use, in addition to lung cancer, according to ALA, are:
- COPD: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
- Coronary heart disease.
- Stroke.
- Respiratory system infection.
- Cancer in various parts of the body.
ALA states studies find that, in addition to lung cancer risks, smoking 1 to 4 cigarettes daily triples risk of death from heart disease, and quintuples the risk of women dying from lung cancer when compared to nonsmokers.
The Minnesota University study concludes that additional research is necessary to know more about the interaction of tobacco carcinogens and DNA. The ALA article provides additional links for more information about the health effects of tobacco, and help sources in order to conquer nicotine addiction.
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