New evidence of harmfulness of second-hand smoke: Cancer causing agent present in gaseous phase of cigarette smoke
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - 13:30
in Health & Medicine
Scientists have shown that a key protein involved in cell function and regulation is stopped by a substance present in cigarette smoke. The authors found a cancer-causing agent called reactive oxygen species present in the gaseous phase of cigarette smoke that has the ability to inhibit normal cell function. Exposure to secondhand smoke impaired the function of the sodium pump, necessary for healthy cell regulation.