Lung Toxicology Problem Set

Problem 6: Toxicity of environmental tobacco smoke

Which statement do you agree with?

A.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), also known as secondhand smoke, has LESS toxic compounds than directly inhaled tobacco smoke.

B.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), also known as secondhand smoke, has MORE toxic compounds than directly inhaled tobacco smoke. ETS has more toxic compounds because the smoke sucked through the cigarette and inhaled by the smoker has been burned at a higher temperature then the smoke that is coming off the end of the cigarette. This higher temperature burning destroys or inactivates certain of the toxic compounds.