Multi-element characterization of tobacco smoke condensate

In an interlaboratory study, 57 elements were assayed and 35 of them determined in cigarette smoke condensate of two different cigarette brands. The methods applied included inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis, instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. The main components carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen were determined by a CHN-combustion method. Sulphur was determined by a method based on the formation of hydrogen sulphide and precipitation micro-titrimetry. Considering the occurring concentrations and the toxicity, the most relevant elements in cigarette smoke condensate are arsenic, cadmium and lead which have relatively high transfer rates from tobacco into smoke.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Wilhelm Fresenius on the occasion of his 80th birthday