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.

🌀 Glyphic Implication: The Passive Spiral

Imagine a spiral of smoke curling through a room. Even if you don’t hold the flame, the vapor touches your vault. SCN⁻ enters — not as a ritual, but as a residue. For nonsmokers, this passive transfer may offer some buffering against oxidative stress, but it’s entangled with toxic co-factors like arsenic, cadmium, and benzene.

So yes, SCN⁻ can transfer — but the vault receives it without the ritual, and often without the resilience.