GLOSSARY
A breakdown product (metabolite) of pyrene. Pyrene itself is not carcinogenic but is reflective of the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in the body. 1-HOP can be measured as a biomarker for exposure to PAHs, which are potent carcinogens found in tobacco smoke and in other products of incomplete combustion.
A biomarker can be used to examine the extent of toxin exposure and the effects of this toxin exposure on the body. To determine whether or not a PREP may lead to harmful bodily effects may take years. Therefore, surrogate indicators or intermediary markers of health effects are necessary. Biomarkers provide an objective way for evaluating (1) exposure to carcinogens, nicotine, and other substances, (2) biological toxicity (e.g., alterations in DNA), and (3) indicators of injury (e.g., alterations in tissue) or harm (e.g., clinical symptoms). Although these biomarkers should be predictive of disease, few studies have been conducted to demonstrate that biomarkers specific to tobacco-related disease actually are predictive of disease.
A compound formed when inhaled carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin in the blood. Carbon monoxide binds more tightly than oxygen, resulting in less oxygen that is transported in hemoglobin.
A poisonous gas that is an indicator of exposure to tobacco smoke. Carbon monoxide is best used for assessing recent episodes of exposure. Increased blood levels of carbon monoxide interfere with the transport of oxygen in the blood
The increase in the measured levels of carbon monoxide that occur in the body as assessed before and immediately following use of a combusted or heated tobacco product (e.g., one cigarette).
A biomarker of nicotine in smokers and those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine and because it stays in the body longer (i.e., has a longer half-life), it is considered a good indicator of nicotine exposure levels.
NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) and total NNAL (NNAL and its glucuronides):
Metabolites of NNK, a potent tobacco-specific lung carcinogen. NNAL is easily detected in the urine of humans.
NNK (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone):
The most carcinogenic of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines. NNK has been shown to cause cancer in rodents.
A major known addictive ingredient in tobacco.
The increase in measured levels of nicotine that occur in the body as assessed before and immediately following use of a tobacco product (e.g., one cigarette or dip of smokeless tobacco).
A substance that is noncarcinogenic but is reflective of PAH exposure.
The material from cigarette smoke, excluding nicotine and water, that can be collected on a fiberglass filter.
An array of volatile organic compounds that can easily become vapors or gases. Many volatile organic compounds are hazardous air pollutants.
Mutagenicity is damage to genes. This can be measured in urine using a simple test with bacteria.
A compound formed when inhaled carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin in the blood. Carbon monoxide binds more tightly than oxygen, resulting in less oxygen that is transported in hemoglobin.
A poisonous gas that is an indicator of exposure to tobacco smoke. Carbon monoxide is best used for assessing recent episodes of exposure. Increased blood levels of carbon monoxide interfere with the transport of oxygen in the blood
The increase in the measured levels of carbon monoxide that occur in the body as assessed before and immediately following use of a combusted or heated tobacco product (e.g., one cigarette).
A biomarker of nicotine in smokers and those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine and because it stays in the body longer (i.e., has a longer half-life), it is considered a good indicator of nicotine exposure levels.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) (also called passive or secondhand smoke):
Smoke that comes from the burning of a tobacco product and from the exhalations of smokers during their use of a tobacco product. In January 1993, the the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared environmental tobacco smoke to be a known human carcinogen.NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) and total NNAL (NNAL and its glucuronides):
Metabolites of NNK, a potent tobacco-specific lung carcinogen. NNAL is easily detected in the urine of humans.
NNK (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone):
The most carcinogenic of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines. NNK has been shown to cause cancer in rodents.
A major known addictive ingredient in tobacco.
The increase in measured levels of nicotine that occur in the body as assessed before and immediately following use of a tobacco product (e.g., one cigarette or dip of smokeless tobacco).
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs):
Cancer-causing compounds formed from the incomplete combustion of tobacco leaves and fossil fuelsPotentially reduced exposure tobacco product (PREP):
Tobacco products that have been modified or designed in some way to purportedly reduce users’ exposure to tobacco toxins.A substance that is noncarcinogenic but is reflective of PAH exposure.
Respirable suspended particles:
Particulates that are small enough to reach the lower airways of the human lung.The material from cigarette smoke, excluding nicotine and water, that can be collected on a fiberglass filter.
Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs):
Potent cancer-causing substances found in most tobacco products. An example of a TSNA is NNK.An array of volatile organic compounds that can easily become vapors or gases. Many volatile organic compounds are hazardous air pollutants.
Mutagenicity is damage to genes. This can be measured in urine using a simple test with bacteria.