Meyron

Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.

Tobacco smoke

Combustion products from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes — inhaled directly or as secondhand exposure.

Also known as: cigarette smoke, secondhand smoke

What this does NOT mean

Finding a factor documented in this product category does not establish that ordinary use of tobacco smoke causes cancer. It means research — through regulatory testing, recall records, or IARC review — has found that chemical present in this category. Whether it matters for you depends on formulation, dose, frequency, and route of exposure.

What has been documented

  • Contains · high confidence

    Present in tobacco leaves; released as aerosol when smoked.

    Evidence source: IARC Monograph 100E

  • 1,3-Butadiene
    IARC Group 1
    Contains · high confidence

    One of the major volatile carcinogens in tobacco smoke.

    Evidence source: IARC Monograph 100E

  • Formaldehyde
    IARC Group 1
    Contains · high confidence

    Combustion byproduct present in every cigarette smoke stream.

    Evidence source: IARC Monograph 100E

  • Benzene
    IARC Group 1
    Contains · high confidence

    Mainstream and secondhand tobacco smoke contain measurable benzene from incomplete combustion.

    Evidence source: IARC Monograph 100E

How to read this page

A factor appearing on this page means it has been documented in this product category — through EPA / FDA testing, IARC monographs, or regulatory recall records. Whether it presents a meaningful personal risk depends on the specific formulation, dose, and how you're exposed. Click any factor to read what science actually says about it, and where.