Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Exam

What substance in cigarettes is known to cause cancer?

1. Nicotine

2. Tar

3. Carbon monoxide

4. Formaldehyde

The correct answer is: Tar

The substance in cigarettes that is most notably associated with cancer is tar. Tar is a thick, sticky residue produced by burning tobacco and other substances in cigarettes. It is composed of a complex mixture of chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens, meaning they can lead to cancer. This includes compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and various nitrogenous bases, which have been shown to cause mutations in DNA and contribute to tumor development. When inhaled, tar settles in the lungs and can damage lung tissue and impair normal lung function over time. The accumulation of tar is directly linked to various forms of cancer, particularly lung cancer, and contributes to other serious health issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. In contrast, nicotine is primarily responsible for the addictive properties of tobacco but is not classified as a carcinogen itself, although it plays a role in the overall health implications of smoking. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas found in cigarette smoke that can interfere with oxygen transport in the body, but it does not directly cause cancer. Formaldehyde, while a harmful substance, is present in smaller amounts and is associated with other health issues, but not as prominently linked to cancer from smoking as tar is. Therefore