Final answer:
Sidestream smoke, which is emitted from the burning end of a cigarette, contains a higher concentration of harmful compounds than mainstream smoke, which is inhaled and exhaled by the smoker. These compounds in sidestream smoke include at least 40 chemicals linked to cancer and other health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sidestream Smoke Contains More Harmful Compounds
When comparing mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke, scientific studies have shown that sidestream smoke contains a higher concentration of harmful compounds.
These compounds are more likely to negatively impact human health and include at least 40 chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other health conditions such as liver toxicity and immune system dysfunction.
In fact, second-hand smoke, combining sidestream and exhaled mainstream smoke, is found to have at least 250 toxic and carcinogenic compounds.
Notable carcinogens present in second-hand smoke include polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), N-nitrosamines, aromatic amines, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, all presenting significant health risks.
Exposure to second-hand smoke can lead to a 30% increase in the risk of lung cancer and heart disease for nonsmokers, exemplifying the severe dangers of these substances.
Given the potent toxicity and carcinogenic nature of sidestream smoke, it is clear that it poses a more considerable health risk than mainstream smoke. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is that sidestream smoke contains the most harmful compounds.