Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) comprise one of the most important groups of carcinogens in tobacco products, particularly cigarettes (traditional and electronic) and fermented dipping snuff.
These nitrosamine carcinogens are formed from nicotine and related compounds by a nitrosation reaction that occurs during the curing and processing of tobacco.
NNN is an effective esophageal carcinogen in the rat,[4] and induces respiratory tract tumors in mice, hamsters, and mink.
Thus, considerable evidence supports the role of tobacco-specific nitrosamines as important causative factors for cancers of the lung, pancreas, esophagus, and oral cavity in people who use tobacco products.
[1] Metabolism and chemical binding to DNA (adduct formation) are critical in cancer induction by NNK and NNN.