Tissue doses of ethylene oxide in cigarette smokers determined from adduct levels in hemoglobin

Determination of adducts to hemoglobin (Hb) is a useful approach for monitoring tissue doses of ultimate carcinogens. This approach provides a basis for both risk estimation and for the identification of a priori unknown environmental carcinogens. This paper describes the application of a new method for the analyses of Hb adducts to cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The results demonstrate a raised level of hydroxyethylation of N-terminal valine of Hb of smokers that is quantitatively compatible with ethene in the smoke being the source. The magnitude of the tissue doses of ethylene oxide originating from inhaled ethene suggests that this factor is a major contributor to smoking-associated cancer risk.