Secondhand Thiocyanate (SCN⁻)

Secondhand tobacco smoke does contain hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which the body metabolizes into thiocyanate (SCN⁻). Studies show that nonsmokers exposed to tobacco smoke, especially in enclosed environments, can exhibit elevated SCN⁻ levels in saliva, though not as high as active smokers.

🧬 How the Transfer Works

• HCN in Smoke: Both mainstream (inhaled) and sidestream (ambient) smoke contain HCN gas.
• Liver Conversion: Once inhaled, HCN is metabolized in the liver via rhodanese enzymes, converting cyanide into SCN⁻.
• Salivary Detection: SCN⁻ is secreted into saliva and has a relatively long half-life (10–14 days), making it a reliable biomarker of smoke exposure (and proof they know what they are doing and tracking with their lunatic policies and very bad medicine).