Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon from mainstream smoke of tobacco products and its risks assessment

Abstract

Smoking is known to be risk factor for lung cancer and other respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) compounds are among several harmful compounds associated with mainstream smoke of tobacco products. Hence, this study determined the levels of PAHs in the mainstream smoke of different brands of tobacco products in Nigeria. It also assessed the risk associated with inhaling these pollutants in mainstream smoke using indexes such as incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and hazard quotient (HQ). Samples of mainstream smoke were obtained from different brands of the tobacco products using locally made smoke extractor. Analysis of PAHs was done using GC–MS operated in selected ion monitoring mode (SIM). The results showed the ∑ PAHs in the mainstream of different brand of cigarette ranged between 956.1–1607.2 ng. The toxicity equivalent (TEQs) of the carcinogenic PAHs follows the trend of Bap> BaA> BbF> CHR. The calculated ILCR values based on World Health Organization (WHO) risk factor ranged between 1.33×10−4−2.14×10−4while the ILCR values based on United State Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) risk factor ranged9.18×10−7−1.48×10−6. HQs obtained in this study were all above 1, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk. The study revealed the levels of PAHs in mainstream smoke and the associated risk.