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In tobacco studies, biomarkers to assess exposure to tobacco products and biomarkers of potential harm are both of interest.

Biomarkers of exposure are used to characterize exposure to constituents present in tobacco products (such as harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) and to determine the potential health impact from use of these products. These biomarkers could be indicative of exposure to tobacco products or could be related to diet or environmental exposure. 

The FDA has established a list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in tobacco products and tobacco smoke. Additionally,  a list of 20 HPHCs from the full list of HPHCs, for which testing methods are well established and widely available. These HPHC list focuses on chemicals that are linked to the five most serious health effects of tobacco use (cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory effects, reproductive problems, and addiction.) 

Biomarkers of exposure may be the constituents or their metabolites. 


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