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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:23
A Protocol for Detecting and Scavenging Gas-phase Free Radicals in Mainstream Cigarette Smoke
Published on: January 2, 2012
IARC carcinogens reported in cigarette mainstream smoke and their calculated log P values
C J Smith1, T A Perfetti, R Garg
1R&D, Bowman Gray Technical Center, RJRT Company, Winston-Salem, NC 27102-1487, USA. smithc4@rjrt.com
Summary
This study identifies 81 carcinogens in cigarette smoke, expanding the known list. Higher lipophilicity (Clog P) in these compounds correlates with increased carcinogenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Chemical Carcinogenesis
Background:
- Cigarette smoke contains numerous chemical constituents, many classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
- Previous reviews identified 68 IARC-classified carcinogens in mainstream smoke (MS).
- Understanding the distribution and properties of these carcinogens is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update and expand the list of IARC-classified carcinogens identified in cigarette mainstream smoke.
- To categorize these carcinogens by their phase (vapor, particulate, or both) within cigarette smoke.
- To investigate the correlation between lipophilicity (Clog P) and the carcinogenic potential of these compounds.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and expansion of previously identified IARC-classified carcinogens in MS.
- Classification of identified carcinogens based on their presence in the vapor phase, particulate phase, or both.
- Calculation and reporting of the octanol-water partition coefficient (Clog P) for non-metallic MS IARC carcinogens.
Main Results:
- The total number of IARC-classified carcinogens in MS increased from 68 to 81, including 11 Group 1, 14 Group 2A, and 56 Group 2B compounds.
- Carcinogens were distributed across vapor phase (29 compounds), particulate phase only (48 compounds), and both phases (4 compounds).
- Lipophilicity (Clog P) was reported for 71 non-metallic carcinogens, showing a correlation with mutagenicity and rodent carcinogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette mainstream smoke contains an expanded list of 81 IARC-classified carcinogens, with varying distributions between vapor and particulate phases.
- Lipophilicity (Clog P) serves as a predictive indicator for carcinogenic potential in the absence of comprehensive toxicological data.
- This updated information is vital for assessing the risks associated with cigarette smoke exposure and informing public health strategies.
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