Formaldehyde is a simple organic molecule with important industrial uses; however it is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing compound). Researchers have long known that formaldehyde is present in cigarette smoke, but it was only recently in 2014 that researchers determined that formaldehyde is also present in e-cigarette vapor. For this and other reasons, the U.S. FDA is now overseeing production and distribution of e-cigarettes.
The data below are compiled from several studies examining the levels of formaldehyde in cigarette smoke and low- and high-voltage e-cigarette vapor (increasing the voltage of an e-cigarette allows for increased nicotine intake). The data in bar A are from individuals consuming 20 cigarettes a day. The data in bar B are from individuals consuming 3 mL of e-cigarette fluid a day when the e-cigarette is set to low voltage (n.d. = not detectable). The data in bar C are from individuals consuming 3 mL of e-cigarette fluid a day when the e-cigarette is set to high voltage.
-Assuming e-cigarettes contain many similar chemical compounds to traditional cigarettes, what part of the respiratory system do they likely negatively affect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The respiratory system consists of various parts, including the bronchi, trachea, alveoli, and diaphragm. However, the negative effects of cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor are mostly seen in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. The presence of formaldehyde in e-cigarette vapor can damage the delicate alveoli, leading to various respiratory problems, including lung cancer. Therefore, the most likely part of the respiratory system negatively affected by e-cigarette vapor is the alveoli.

Answer: 
C

The data show that high-voltage e-cigarette vapor contains significantly higher levels of formaldehyde than traditional cigarettes. Therefore, using high-voltage e-cigarettes can expose individuals to even higher levels of formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. The best choice, therefore, is to avoid using high-voltage e-cigarettes altogether.

Formaldehyde Is a Simple Organic Molecule with Important Industrial Uses;