Organic Chemicals in Smoker's Breath

The Chemistry Department of the University of Girona (UdG) has been investigating the chemicals present in the breath of smokers. They analysed some volatile organic compounds such as benzene, 2,5-dimethylfurane, toluene, o-xylene and p-xylene, which could be used as bio-indicators of the condition of a smoker, and have shown that only 2,5-dimethylfuran provides effective results for breath samples. 2,5-dimethylfuran can also be present in the breath of passive smokers if they have had direct contact with tobacco smoke over a prolonged period.

Benzene is only useful as a bio-indicator when tobacco consumption is relatively high and when testing takes place 1-2 hours after a smoking a cigarette.

Toluene and xylene levels are only significant for those who smoke a lot and when little time has passed since smoking the last cigarette.

Reference:
Monica Alonso, Mar Castellanos, Juan M. Sanchez. Evaluation of potential breath biomarkers for active smoking: assessment of smoking habits. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2010; 396 (8): 2987 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-3524-z