Carcinogenic tryptophan pyrolysis products in cigarette smoke condensate and cigarette smoke-polluted indoor air

The carcinogenic tryptophan pyrolysis products, 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1) and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido-4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), have been measured in condensate of cigarette mainstream smoke by high-performance liquid chromatography. These carcinogens have been detected in indoor air as well as in the air of the outdoor environment. Levels of these carcinogens in indoor air were much higher than those in outdoor air. The source of these carcinogens in indoor air was determined to be cigarette smoke by the application of smoking machine studies. Concentrations of these carcinogens in indoor air increased markedly with an increase in cigarettes smoked. The results in this investigation suggest that cigarette smoking is a source of carcinogenic tryptophan pyrolysis products in the indoor environment. Our data also suggest that smokers are persistently exposed to the carcinogenic heterocyclic amines together with potent carcinogens such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and N-nitroso compounds.