Biomarkers

In tobacco studies, biomarkers to assess exposure to tobacco products and biomarkers of potential harm are both of interest. Biomarkers of exposure are tobacco smote constituents or their metabolites in a biological fluid or tissue, hair or exhaled breath. They are not measurements of how these constituents interact with the body process/functions.   Biomarkers of  harm or potential harm are measurements of an effect from exposure.  

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.)