Composition Of Smoke Research Articles

Acute Toxicity Resulting from Human Exposures to Military Smokes

AbstractThe toxicity of smoke‐generating ammunition can be established by looking at the complete hand grenade or only at the smoke composition. In this paper both approaches are described. The toxicity of a signalling smoke was assessed as a complete smoke hand grenade whereas for a 76 mm screening smoke canister only a red phosphorus (RP) pellet was studied. For both smokes the particle size distribution and the toxic effect of the smoke on A549 lung cells in culture in an Air‐Liquid Interface (ALI) system were determined. The assessment of the complete smoke hand grenades also included the determination of the mutagenicity using an Ames test. RP pellets are destined to be burnt on the surface and for this reason the influence of small sand particles on the acute toxicity was also investigated. For both types of smoke the majority of the formed particles were smaller than 2.1 μm, which means that they are capable to penetrate deep into the airways after inhalation. The complete hand grenade approach showed that smoke grenade design can have influence on the final toxicity and mutagenicity of the formed smoke. Sand upon which an RP pellet is burnt can function as a carrier material resulting in an indirect exposure.

Effect of moxa smoke produced during combustion of Aiye (Folium Artemisiae Argyi) on behavioral changes in mice inhaling the smoke

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects that inhalation of the combustion products of the traditional Chinese herb Aiye (Folium Artemisiae Argyi) has on the central nervous system. METHODSForty Kunming mice (half male) were randomly assigned (n = 10/group) to a control group (C) or one of three moxa smoke concentration groups (% opacity): low (L1; 0.4%), medium (M1; 2%), and high (H1; 15%). Mice in the latter three groups were exposed to moxa smoke in a dynamic gas exposure cabinet for 20 min per day for 7 days. Mice in control group were placed in the same cabinet without any intervention. For the sleep experiments, another 50 mice were divided into five groups of 10 mice each: a saline-injected control group, L1 + pentobarbital sodium (PS)-injected group, M1 +PS group, H1 (15%) + PS group, and a positive control group (10 mg/kg, chlorpromazine, p.o.). The weight, general activities, locomotor activities, rotarod performance, sleep duration, and sleeping rate induced by a subthreshold dose of pentobarbital sodium were recorded in the mice, and the composition of moxa smoke was analyzed using headspace gas chromatography (GC-HS). RESULTSA low concentration of smoke significantly decreased the frequency of locomotor activities and the time for which the mice remaining on the rotarod; however, a high smoke concentration significantly prolonged the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time and sleeping rate. CONCLUSIONThe concentration-dependent relaxing effects of moxa smoke on the Central Nervous System (CNS) were confirmed. Moreover, GC-HS analysis showed that the component present in the highest concentration in moxa smoke was eucalyptol, an essential oil well recognized for its soothing effects on the CNS. This may therefore be accountable for the sedative effects of moxa smoke.

Correlation between Odor Concentration and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Composition of Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS).

We examined the correlation between the odor concentration and the chemical composition of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Three types of ETS samples were prepared: secondhand smoke (SHS), thirdhand smoke (THS), and field ETS samples from an outside smoking area. The odor concentrations of the ETS, SHS, and THS samples were determined by the triangle-odor-bag method, and the chemical compositions were determined by proton transfer mass spectrometry. The odor concentration of the SHS samples was three or four orders of magnitude higher than that of the field ETS samples, and three orders of magnitude higher than that of the THS samples. The concentration ratios of the constituent chemicals in THS to those in SHS were about 10−4, corresponding to the ratio of the odor concentration. The concentration ratios of the constituent chemicals in the field ETS samples were much lower than the ratios of the odor concentrations. This suggests that the main contributing components to the odor of the field ETS samples are different from those in SHS and THS. The main contributors of the odor in the field ETS samples could be acetaldehyde, acetonitrile, acetic acid, and other unknown components with a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 39 and 43.

The Effect of Fuel Dose Division on The Emission of Toxic Components in The Car Diesel Engine Exhaust Gas

Abstract The article discusses the effect of fuel dose division in the Diesel engine on smoke opacity and composition of the emitted exhaust gas. The research activities reported in the article include experimental examination of a small Diesel engine with Common Rail type supply system. The tests were performed on the engine test bed equipped with an automatic data acquisition system which recorded all basic operating and control parameters of the engine, and smoke opacity and composition of the exhaust gas. The parameters measured during the engine tests also included the indicated pressure and the acoustic pressure. The tests were performed following the pre-established procedure in which 9 engine operation points were defined for three rotational speeds: 1500, 2500 and 3500 rpm, and three load levels: 25, 40 and 75 Nm. At each point, the measurements were performed for 7 different forms of fuel dose injection, which were: the undivided dose, the dose divided into two or three parts, and three different injection advance angles for the undivided dose and that divided into two parts. The discussion of the obtained results includes graphical presentation of contests of hydrocarbons, carbon oxide, and nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, and its smoke opacity. The presented analyses referred to two selected cases, out of nine examined engine operation points. In these cases the fuel dose was divided into three parts and injected at the factory set control parameters. The examination has revealed a significant effect of fuel dose division on the engine efficiency, and on the smoke opacity and composition of the exhaust gas, in particular the content of nitrogen oxides. Within the range of low loads and rotational speeds, dividing the fuel dose into three parts clearly improves the overall engine efficiency and significantly decreases the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas. Moreover, it slightly decreases the contents of hydrocarbons and carbon oxide. In the experiment the contents of nitrogen oxides markedly increased with the increasing injection advance angle for the undivided dose and that divided into two parts. This, in turn, led to the decrease of the contents of hydrocarbons and carbon oxide. Fuel dose division into two and three parts leads to the increase of smoke opacity of the exhaust gas, compared to the undivided dose.

Hydrogen cyanide in fire tests

The gas composition of fire smoke depends on the material being burned. Plastics containing nitrogen, e. g. polyurethane, which are used in modern household furnishings release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) under the influence of heat. In order to evaluate the impact of HCN on the ability of victims to react and escape possibilities as well as on the cause of death, the concentration of HCN and other gaseous components of smoke were determined by burning materials containing polyurethane. Bench scale fire tests (smouldering fires) were performed using model sofa samples containing polyurethane. The concentrations of HCN, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured using Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, the oxygen (O2) consumption, transmission and optical smoke density were determined. The gaseous concentrations in smoke determined in the bench scale fire tests were compared with the results of an enclosed room fire test (developing fire to full fire). The average maximum concentrations measured were 42 ppm for HCN and 1100 ppm for CO. The measured values can be classified as toxic to humans but are not in the fatal range. In relation to the dominant CO concentration during smouldering fires, the HCN content in fire smoke can only be considered as having a low-grade influence on human poisoning; however, if material containing polyurethane is burned in a full fire the HCN concentration must be considered as at least a contributing factor to the death of fire victims.

The thermal criteria on rubber ignition in flashover fires under longitudinal ventilation surroundings

Flashover tests and theoretical analysis were conducted in a test chamber with two openings under longitudinal ventilation conditions with rubber as the target fuel. The radiant heat flux to the floor, the mass loss rate of fuels, the upper hot smoke layer temperature, the oxygen and smoke composition concentrations were measured to identify the thermal critical criteria of rubber ignition. The up-wind rubber sample was early ignited by the ∅500mm alcohol under 0.1m/s surroundings at the radiant heat flux to the floor 15.17kW/m2 and the average upper hot smoke layer temperature 519°C. The ∅500mm diesel of thick sootiness ignited the rubber earlier at a lower average upper hot smoke layer temperature 409°C and a higher radiant heat flux to the floor 16.2kW/m2. The rubber cannot be ignited by the ∅500mm alcohol or diesel at 0.5m/s smoke discharge velocity. It is concluded that the radiant heat flux to the floor is the predominant point to rubber ignition. The longitudinal smoke discharge can restrain the ignition of rubber in flashover by the dramatic reduction of the radiant heat flux to the floor based on the increased convection heat loss and the decreased smoke sootiness.

Electronic Cigarette Extracts Alter Endothelial Cell Inflammatory Responses

Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) have recently become a popular alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. The effects of traditional cigarettes on endothelial cells (ECs) have been well‐documented and illustrate that tobacco products predispose ECs towards cardiovascular pathologies. However, the effects of e‐cigarettes on ECs have not been studied even though the composition of e‐vapor has been shown to resemble the composition of tobacco smoke in a number of important parameters that have been related to cardiovascular disease progression. We hypothesized that exposure to e‐cigarette extracts would elicit a pro‐inflammatory response through the activation of the complement cascade, a down‐regulation of the negative regulators of complement and an increase in the production/release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. We also hypothesized that the increase in pro‐inflammatory state would be dependent on the dose of the e‐vapor exposure (e.g. nicotine concentration in the e‐cigarette) and that exposure to e‐vapor would induce an overall reduction in EC culture conditions. In order to test this hypothesis, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with extracts of tobacco smoke, e‐cigarette vapors, and pure nicotine for 2–3 days. A solid‐phase ELISA technique was used to measure the deposition of various complement proteins, including C1q, iC3b, C4d and C5b‐9, onto the cell surface, along with the expression of the complement C1q receptor (gC1qR and cC1qR) and the negative regulators of complement. All conditions – tobacco smoke, e‐cigarette vapor, and pure nicotine – led to an increase in C1q receptor expression. In contrast to studies performed on other cell lines and results of tobacco smoke exposure, the deposition of complement proteins decreased after exposure to e‐cigarette vapor extracts. Interestingly, we also observed a decrease in the expression/release of negative regulators of complement for most of the e‐cigarette vapor extracts that were investigated here. After exposure to e‐vapor, ECs up‐regulated the production/release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. To quantify changes in cell culture conditions, EC metabolic activity, cell viability and cell density were measured using a standard MTT assay and a live/dead cytotoxicity assay. After exposure to e‐cigarette vapor extracts, we observed a decrease in metabolic activity, in some cases to a further extent than that caused by mainstream tobacco smoke exposure. A slight decrease in cell viability was also observed, combined with a marked decrease in cell density. Thus, it is possible that the observed reductions in complement deposition (or complement inhibitor expression), were due to a decrease in the cell number as compared with the control conditions. Overall, these results indicate that e‐cigarettes present a significant risk to vascular endothelial cells and may alter the progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Composition of the electrocautery smoke: integrative literature review

To identify the composition of the smoke produced by electrocautery use during surgery. Integrative review with search for primary studies conducted in the databases of the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, covering the studies published between 2004 and 2014. The final sample consisted of 14 studies grouped into three categories, namely; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile compounds and volatile organic compounds. There is scientific evidence that electrocautery smoke has volatile toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds, and its inhalation constitutes a potential chemical risk to the health of workers involved in surgeries.

Differential Diffusion Effects in Numerical Simulations on Smoke Toxicity Evaluation

With the increasing frequency of fire caused by construction materials, smoke toxicity evaluation plays a key role in related fields. Numerical simulation has become a popular method to predict the toxicity of smoke. A computational study of differential diffusion effects on smoke toxicity evaluation is proposed in this study. Further, an effective Lewis number model derived from the Reynolds-averaged form of the Navier-stokes (RANS) transport equations is proposed in turbulent flames. The accuracy of the study is illustrated for a polyurethane foam fire in a 1/5 scale vertical shaft. The temperature and the concentrations of smoke composition are mainly discussed. From the comparison of the calculations with the direct numerical simulations (DNS) data it is observed that the temperature and mass fractions of species agree well with the DNS data when differential diffusion effects are taken into account. On the other hand, these numerical results are overestimated if differential diffusion effects are neglected. The FED values indicate that differential diffusion has a strong influence on smoke toxicity evaluation when using N-Gas model.

Review of smoke taint in wine: smoke-derived volatile phenols and their glycosidic metabolites in grapes and vines as biomarkers for smoke exposure and their role in the sensory perception of smoke taint

In recent years, the exposure of vineyards and grapes to smoke from bushfires and controlled burn events has in some instances resulted in wines described as smoke tainted. Such wines are characterised by undesirable sensory characters described as smoky, burnt, ash, smoky bacon, medicinal and ashtray. This review summarises the knowledge about the composition of smoke from forest and grass fires, describes relationships between smoke exposure of vineyards and smoke taint in wine, and outlines strategies for managing and reducing the risk to producing smoke-affected wines. The sensitivity of grapes and vines at different phenological stages to the uptake of contaminants from smoke, especially smoke-derived volatile phenols, is outlined, and the pathways for entry and metabolic transformation of volatile phenols are discussed. The potential for translocation of phenolic contaminants within the grapevine and the differences in uptake of smoke contaminants of different grape cultivars are also discussed, along with preliminary work on dose/response relationships regarding concentration and duration of exposure and subsequent expression of smoke taint in wine. The chemical basis of smoke taint in wine is described, and the relationship between volatile phenols from combustion of wood/lignin and their glycosides, and sensory panel ratings of smoke attributes in affected wines is discussed. This includes a summary of sensory reconstitution studies and measurement of flavour compounds released from nonvolatile glycosides in mouth and during in vitro model experiments, which corroborate the sensory contribution of glycosylated phenolic substances and their role as flavour precursors. Finally, the review also discusses analytical methods used to quantify free volatile phenolic substances and their associated glycosides, biomarkers for identifying smoke exposure of grapes, and strategies for assessing the risk of quality loss post-smoke exposure. Case studies are presented that outline the influence of harvesting and winemaking practices on the expression of smoke taint, and that describe oenological approaches to ameliorate smoke taint in wine.

Smoking, Telomere Length and Cardiovascular Diseases

The role of smoking in the development of various diseases, including cardiovascular system is widely known and proven. At the same time, given the multi-component composition of tobacco smoke, many mechanisms of its damaging effect on the target organs remain unknown. Effect of smoking on duration of life and risk of cardiovascular diseases mediated by changes of rate of telomere shortening in chromosomes of eukaryotic cells has been actively studied in recent years. This article describes main damaging mechanisms of tobacco smoke on the cardiovascular system including changes at the molecular- genetic level.

A rapid method for the chromatographic analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath of tobacco cigarette and electronic cigarette smokers

A method for the rapid analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in smoke from tobacco and electronic cigarettes and in exhaled breath of users of these smoking systems has been developed. Both disposable and rechargeable e-cigarettes were considered. Smoke or breath were collected in Bio-VOCs. VOCs were then desorbed in Tenax cartridges which were subsequently analyzed by thermal desorption coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The method provides consistent results when comparing the VOC compositions from cigarette smoke and the equivalent exhaled breath of the smokers. The differences in composition of these two sample types are useful to ascertain which compounds are retained in the respiratory system after tobacco cigarette or e-cigarette smoking.Strong differences were observed in the VOC composition of tobacco cigarette smoke and exhaled breath when comparing with those of e-cigarette smoking. The former involved transfers of a much larger burden of organic compounds into smokers, including benzene, toluene, naphthalene and other pollutants of general concern. e-Cigarettes led to strong absorptions of propylene glycol and glycerin in the users of these systems. Tobacco cigarettes were also those showing highest concentration differences between nicotine concentrations in smoke and exhaled breath. The results from disposable e-cigarettes were very similar to those from rechargeable e-cigarettes.

New field-based agricultural biomass burning trace gas, PM2.5, and black carbon emission ratios and factors measured in situ at crop residue fires in Eastern China

Despite policy attempts to limit or prevent agricultural burning, its use to remove crop residues either immediately after harvest (e.g. field burning of wheat stubble) or after subsequent crop processing (e.g. “bonfires” of rice straw and rapeseed residues) appears to remain widespread across parts of China. Emission factors for these types of small but highly numerous fire are therefore required to fully assess their impact on atmospheric composition and air pollution. Here we describe the design and deployment of a new smoke measurement system for the close-range sampling of key gases and particles within smoke from crop residue fires, using it to assess instantaneous mixing ratios of CO and CO2 and mass concentrations of black carbon (BC) and PM2.5 from wheat stubble, rice straw, and rapeseed residue fires. Using data of our new smoke sampling system, we find a strong linear correlation between the PM2.5 mass and BC, with very high PM2.5 to BC emission ratios found in the smouldering phase (up to 80.7 mg m−3.(mg m−3)−1) compared to the flaming phase (2.0 mg m−3.(mg m−3)−1). We conclude that the contribution of BC to PM2.5 mass was as high as 50% in the flaming phase of some burns, whilst during smouldering it sometimes decreased to little over one percent. A linear mixing model is used to quantify the relative contribution of each combustion phase to the overall measured smoke composition, and we find that flaming combustion dominated the total emission of most species assessed. Using time series of trace gas concentrations from different fire cases, we calculated ‘fire integrated’ trace gas emission factors (EFs) for wheat, rice and rapeseed residue burns as 1739 ± 19 g kg−1, 1761 ± 30 g kg−1and 1704 ± 27 g kg−1 respectively for CO2, and 60 ± 12 g kg−1, 47 ± 19 g kg−1 and 82 ± 17 g kg−1 respectively for CO. Where comparisons were possible, our EFs agreed well with those derived via a simultaneously-deployed open path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometer. These EFs, and the linear best fit relationships between both PM2.5 and BC mass and the CO2 and CO measurements, were used to generate particulate EFs, which varied over the 5.8–20.3 g kg−1 and 0.25–2.89 g kg−1 range respectively. We note a particularly high 2.89 g kg−1 BC emission factor for the rapeseed bonfires, reflective of intense flaming combustion that gave off visible clouds of soot. These field-measured EFs offer a different perspective than is obtained when burning in laboratory combustion chambers, and are suitable for combining with landscape-scale fuel consumption estimates to provide atmospheric modelling inputs of emissions from these types of crop residue fires.

Smoke composition using MLC/FTIR/ELPI: Application to flame retarded ethylene vinyl acetate

This paper is devoted to the interpretation of smoke data in terms of the fire behaviour of ethylene vinyl acetate unfilled and filled with aluminium trihydroxide (EVA and EVA/ATH), under different fire scenarios: 25, 35, 50 and 75 kW/m2. Flammability parameters, evolved gases and soot particles were evaluated for both materials (EVA and EVA/ATH) as a function of applied heat flux, using a combined Mass Loss Cone, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (MLC/FTIR/ELPI) in a simultaneous analysis bench test. It was found that the EVA formulation leads to the formation of a carbonaceous layer (char) at low heat flux (25 kW/m2), which blocks the release of decomposition gases, including flammable gases, thereby delaying the onset of piloted ignition of EVA relative to EVA/ATH. Total Heat Release (THR) measurements during tests performed on EVA show that this value remains constant at all heat fluxes, which is consistent with the fact that no residue of the EVA samples remains at the end of the fire tests. In the case of EVA/ATH however, the measured THR is proportional to the external heat flux because the quantity of combusted material increases as a function of the thermal stress applied. Calculation of the average effective heat of combustion (AEHC) of the EVA and EVA/ATH material yielded similar values, in both cases, under all four fire scenarios. With respect to gas phase analysis, the concentration of acetic acid (CH3COOH) release in the smoke of EVA (from the de-acetylation of vinyl acetate) was found to increase as the heat flux decreases, with a significant difference at 25 kW/m2 relative to 35, 50 and 75 kW/m2. Concerning EVA/ATH, it appears that there is a transformation of CH3COOH to acetone (CH3COCH3) attributed to the catalytic effect of Al2O3, which increases as the heat flux increases. Calculation of gas species yields revealed that the CO yields of EVA/ATH are higher than those of neat EVA, which can be ascribed to the incomplete combustion reaction of the flame retarded material (EAV/ATH) as compared to neat EVA; an exception was nevertheless noted at 25 kW/m2, where carbonization of EVA was also reported. In relation to ex situ analysis of particle size distribution and concentration in the EVA and EVA/ATH smoke, it was shown that ultrafine and fine particles are present in much higher concentration than particles above 1 μm (≥1 μm) for both formulations at all applied heat fluxes. Nonetheless, the more ultrafine particles (those of 6 nm) were solely detected in the EVA/ATH smoke, suggesting that the ATH flame retardant additive may promote the release of these ultrafine particles.

Particulate and trace gas emissions from prescribed burns in southeastern U.S. fuel types: Summary of a 5-year project

Management of smoke from prescribed fires requires knowledge of fuel quantity and the amount and composition of the smoke produced by the fire to minimize adverse impacts on human health. A five-year study produced new emissions information for more than 100 trace gases and particulate matter in smoke for fuel types found in the southern United States of America using state-of-the-art instrumentation in both laboratory and field experiments. Emission factors for flaming, smoldering, and residual smoldering were developed. Agreement between laboratory and field-derived emission factors was generally good in most cases. Reference spectra of over 50 wildland fire gas-phase smoke components were added to a publicly-available database to support identification via infrared spectroscopy. Fuel loading for the field experiments was similar to previously measured fuels. This article summarizes the results of a five-year study to better understand the composition of smoke during all phases of burning for such forests.

Surgical smoke in dermatologic surgery.

Potential dangers associated with smoke generated during electrosurgery have been described. However, the use of smoke management in dermatology is unknown. There is no objective data showing the amount or the composition of the smoke generated in dermatologic surgeries. To assess the use of smoke management in dermatologic surgery and provide data on the amount and chemical composition of surgical smoke. A total of 997 surveys were sent to dermatologic surgeons across the United States to assess the use of smoke management. Amounts and concentrations of particulates and chemical composition were measured during electrosurgery using a particulate meter and the Environmental Protection Agency-standardized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Thirty-two percent of the surgeons responded to the survey, and 77% of the respondents indicated no use of smoke management at all. Only approximately 10% of surgeons reported consistent use of smoke management. Active electrosurgery produced significant amounts of particulates. In addition, surgical smoke contained high concentrations of known carcinogens, such as benzene, butadiene, and acetonitrile. Surgical smoke contains toxic compounds and particulates. Most dermatologic surgeons do not use smoke management within their practices. Raising the awareness of the potential risks can help increase the use of smoke management.

Toxicological assessment of kretek cigarettes: Part 2: Kretek and American-blended cigarettes, smoke chemistry and in vitro toxicity

Two commercial kretek cigarettes typical for the Indonesian market and a reference kretek cigarette were compared to the American-blended reference cigarette 2R4F by smoke chemistry characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity and mutagenicity assessments. Despite the widely diverse designs and deliveries of the selected kretek cigarettes, their smoke composition and in vitro toxicity data present a consistent pattern when data were normalized to total particulate matter (TPM) deliveries. This confirms the applicability of the studies’ conclusions to a wide range of kretek cigarette products. After normalization to TPM delivery, nicotine smoke yields of kretek cigarettes were 29–46% lower than that of the 2R4F. The yields of other nitrogenous compounds were also much lower, less than would be expected from the mere substitution of one third of the tobacco filler by clove material. Yields of light molecular weight pyrolytic compounds, notably aldehydes and hydrocarbons, were reduced, while yields of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were unchanged and phenol yield was increased. The normalized in vitro toxicity was lowered accordingly, reflecting the yield reductions in gas-phase cytotoxic compounds and some particulate-phase mutagenic compounds. These results do not support a higher toxicity of the smoke of kretek cigarettes compared to American-blended cigarettes.

Reduction of tobacco smoke components yield in commercial cigarette brands by addition of HUSY, NaY and Al-MCM-41 to the cigarette rod

The effect of two zeolites, HUSY, NaY and a mesoporous synthesized Al-MCM-41 material on the smoke composition of ten commercial cigarettes brands has been studied. Cigarettes were prepared by mixing the tobacco with the three powdered materials, and the smoke obtained under the ISO conditions was analyzed. Up to 32 compounds were identified and quantified in the gas fraction and 80 in the total particulate matter (TPM) condensed in the cigarettes filters and in the traps located after the mouth end of the cigarettes. Al-MCM-41 is by far the best additive, providing the highest reductions of the yield for most compounds and brands analyzed. A positive correlation was observed among the TPM and nicotine yields with the reduction obtained in nicotine, CO, and most compounds with the three additives. The amount of ashes in additive free basis increases due to the coke deposited on the solids, especially with Al-MCM-41. Nicotine is reduced with Al-MCM-41 by an average of 34.4% for the brands studied (49.5% for the brand where the major reduction was obtained and 18.5 for the brand behaving the worst). CO is reduced by an average of 18.6% (ranging from 10.3 to 35.2% in the different brands).

Waterpipe smoke: source of toxic and carcinogenic VOCs, phenols and heavy metals?

The use of the waterpipe, a traditional aid for the consumption of tobacco, has spread worldwide and is steadily increasing especially among the youth. On the other hand, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the composition of mainstream waterpipe smoke and the toxicological risks associated with this kind of smoking habit. Using a standardized machine smoking protocol, mainstream waterpipe smoke was generated and further analyzed for twelve volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and eight phenolic compounds by applying gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection, respectively. Additionally, seventeen elements were analyzed in waterpipe tobacco and charcoal prior to and after smoking, applying inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to assess the maximum exposure of these elements. For the first time ever, we have been able to show that waterpipe mainstream smoke contains high levels of the human carcinogen benzene. Compared with cigarette smoke yields, the levels were 6.2-fold higher, thus representing a significant health hazard for the waterpipe smoker. Furthermore, we found that waterpipe mainstream smoke contains considerable amounts of catechol, hydroquinone and phenol, each of which causing some health concern at least. The analysis of waterpipe tobacco and charcoal revealed that both matrices contained considerable amounts of the toxic elements nickel, cadmium, lead and chromium. Altogether, the data on VOCs, phenols and elements presented in this study clearly point to the health hazards associated with the consumption of tobacco using waterpipes.

P16: Hair analysis for synthetic cannabinoids: A study on the issue of passive contamination by side-stream smoke

Introduction As hair analysis is often used for abstinence control it is crucial to consider contamination by passive exposure, particularly when drugs are smoked. In this study, the composition of main-stream and side-stream smoke of herbal mixtures containing synthetic cannabinoids was investigated and put into the context of head hair concentrations of samples collected from individuals repeatedly exposed to side-stream smoke. Methods To study the smoke composition a cigarette containing the synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018, JWH-122 and JWH-210 was smoked in a burning chamber by pulls of a piston syringe (puffvolume 35 mL/3 s, intervals 30 s). A constant air-flow of 1 L/min was applied to collect the side-stream smoke. The ethanolic solutions of main-stream and side-stream smoke condensates collected in gas wash bottles were analyzed by GC-MS. Hair contamination was studied with three volunteers who exposed their hair to the side-stream smoke of a synthetic cannabinoid cigarette five days a week during three consecutive weeks. Hair samples were obtained on a weekly basis during the exposure period and the following three weeks. Hair samples and wash solutions (water, acetone and petrol ether) were analyzed for synthetic cannabinoids by LC-MS/MS. Results Similar amounts of the synthetic cannabinoids were found in main-stream and in side-stream smoke condensates. The concentrations in hair increased with time during the exposure period (maximum concentrations were measured after the third week of exposure in a distal hair segment: 71 pg/mg JWH-018, 260 pg/mg JWH-122 and 600 pg/mg JWH-210). The concentrations decreased after the end of exposure, but most segments were still positive three weeks after the end of exposure. Regarding the washing solutions, only the acetone washings were tested positive and the analyte amounts were equal or less when compared with the amounts detected in the hair extracts. The concentration ratios of synthetic cannabinoids in hair were in good agreement with the concentration ratios in the mixture used for the exposure experiment with side-stream smoke. Conclusion Amounts of synthetic cannabinoids reaching the sidestream smoke are about as high as the amounts inhaled during smoking. Thus, hair contamination by side-stream smoke is very likely to occur and was confirmed by our smoke exposure study. The concentrations in hair after exposure are in the middle to high range compared to typical concentrations in forensic samples. Therefore, when utilizing hair analysis for abstinence control, candidates should be provided with information on the risks of external contamination. In forensic cases, utmost care has to be taken to prevent wrong conclusions when interpreting positive findings of synthetic cannabinoid in hair.