Define carcinogen. Where are most carcinogens in tobacco smoke found?

Question

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The Answer is A carcinogen is a substance or agent that has the potential to cause cancer in living tissues. The process by which a carcinogen causes cancer is known as carcinogenesis. Carcinogens can lead to cancer by altering cellular metabolism or damaging DNA directly in cells, which interferes with biological processes, and induces the uncontrolled, malignant division, ultimately leading to the formation of tumors.

Most carcinogens in tobacco smoke are found in the tar. Tar is the sticky residue that forms when tobacco is burned, and it contains most of the cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) found in tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke contains a complex mixture of over 7,000 chemicals, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful, and about 69 can cause cancer. These carcinogenic substances include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel, among others.

When a person inhales tobacco smoke, the carcinogens are absorbed into the lungs and can then spread to other parts of the body. This is why smoking is a major risk factor not only for lung cancer but also for many other types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and cervix, among others. Passive exposure to tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) can also increase the risk of cancer in non-smokers.

Define Carcinogen