Nicotine-free Dry Particulate Matter Research Articles

The Effects of Cigarette Filter Ventilation on Delivery and Retention of Organic Acids

Summary A method for simultaneous identification and quantitative determination of 30 organic acids was established. The smoke yields and filter retentions of organic acids and routine smoke components, total particulate matter (TPM), nicotine-free dry particulate matter (NFDPM), nicotine and carbon monoxide (CO) at different filter ventilation levels were determined under both International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Health Canadian Intense (HCI) smoking regimes. As a result of smoke dilution during filter ventilation, the yields of all organic acids were reduced in mainstream cigarette smoke. The spatial distribution pattern of the concentration of each organic acid in the filter was investigated at different ventilation levels and their filter retention determined. On one hand, the concentration of organic acids with a lower boiling point (BP) and lower molecular weight (MW) was relatively higher at the smoking end and the periphery part of the filter and spatial concentration distributions within the filter were significantly affected by smoke diffusion. On the other hand, those acids with high BPs and high MW were mainly distributed at the tobacco rod end and central part of the filter and spatial concentration distributions were only slightly influenced by their smoke diffusion within the filter whilst air compression around the filter vents also led to less change. This way, different acids in mainstream cigarette smoke were reduced to different extents which can also influence the acid-base equilibrium and sensory quality of the smoke. Compared with ISO smoking regime, the vent blocking and more intense smoking HCI regime led to different extents of yield increase for each of the studied acids. The effect of filter ventilation in the HCI smoking regime was not investigated, as the HCI smoking regime requires blocked ventilation holes. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 30 (2021) 199–211]

A cross-category puffing topography, mouth level exposure and consumption study among Italian users of tobacco and nicotine products

Actual use studies play a key part in evaluating the reduced risk potential of tobacco and nicotine products. This study was undertaken to determine the puffing topography, mouth level exposure (MLE) and average daily consumption (ADC) relating to two commercially available tobacco heating products (THPs) and a prototype electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette) among Italian non-mentholated 7 mg ISO tar cigarette smokers. The study was conducted in Milan, Italy, with three groups of approximately 50 participants. Groups 1 and 3 included adult smokers of 7 mg ISO tar tobacco cigarettes, and Group 2 consisted of both solus vapers and dual users of vapour and tobacco products. Amongst smokers, e-cigarette mean puff volumes (41.6 mL vs 41.3 mL) and mean puff durations (1.4 s vs 1.5 s) were similar to that of the cigarette, although the average usage session was significantly longer (1064.8 s vs 289.5 s) with a higher total number of puffs (58.6 vs 17.3), however this may be attributable to differences in product operation. There were no significant differences across puffing topography measurements observed between smokers (Group 1) and regular vapers/dual users (Group 2) when using the e-cigarette. As consistent with previous research, users took, on average, larger mean puff volumes when using a THP compared to the reference cigarette (C651), although puff numbers and puff durations remained similar. The average interval between puffs was considerably shorter for THP1.0(T) compared to THS2.4(T) (11.0 s vs 17.1 s). MLE to nicotine-free dry particulate matter and nicotine was significantly reduced for THP1.0(T) and THS2.4(T) compared to the tobacco cigarette (C651). MLE to nicotine was also significantly reduced for the e-cigarette (IS1.0(T)) compared to C651. The average daily consumption (ADC) of cigarettes by groups 1 and 3 were higher than the respective ADCs of both THP consumables. There were no significant differences in ADC when comparing the same product between different groups. Differences seen between sensory scores for each of the product categories may be attributed to fundamental differences in design and mode of operation resulting in very different characteristics of the aerosol generated.

Investigation of number of replicate measurements required to meet cigarette smoke chemistry regulatory requirements measured under Canadian intense smoking conditions

There has been increased interest in recent years in regulatory reporting of cigarette smoke toxicants. There is a great deal of diversity in current regulatory standards around the world in terms of the identities of regulated toxicants, and the number of replicate analyses stipulated for their measurement. Furthermore, analytical methods developed collaboratively by several organisations and intended for regulatory analysis generally differ in their recommended replicate numbers to those stipulated by regulators. In view of these inconsistencies, we undertook an exercise to examine the most appropriate numbers of replicates required for regulatory analysis of cigarette smoke toxicants.A one-point-in-time sampling exercise was undertaken of the German cigarette market, with 161 brands sampled and analysed in a single laboratory using Canadian Intense smoking conditions. Seven replicate measurements were made for each analyte and product, other than nicotine, CO and nicotine-free dry particulate matter for which eight replicate measurements were made. After confirming the absence of order of analysis effects, a variety of statistical tests (such as group assessment, paired comparisons, linear regression models and ratio analysis) were conducted examining mean values, SDs and CVs to identify the role of numbers of analytical replicates on data quality.The statistical analysis showed no difference in mean values for any of the 18 toxicants irrespective of replicate numbers (between 3 and 7 or 8). The large majority of analytes showed no difference in data variability with replicate number; but some very small differences (much lower than within product variability) were observed for a minority of compounds. Similarly, paired analysis showed no significant differences between mean values obtained using different replicate numbers in most cases, apart from very low differences (<5%) for a small number. Linear regression analysis showed correlations around 96 to 98% (other than crotonaldehyde at 91%) between values obtained with 3 vs 7 replicates. Similarly, per product mean value ratio analysis showed 95% consistency between values obtained with 3 and 7 replicates.We therefore conclude that three replicates is sufficient for precise determination of cigarette mainstream smoke toxicant emissions, and that use of 7 replicates as stipulated in some regulator jurisdictions does not offer any greater accuracy or precision.

Assessment of tobacco heating product THP1.0. Part 8: Study to determine puffing topography, mouth level exposure and consumption among Japanese users

A four-arm study was undertaken in Japan to determine the puffing topography, mouth level exposure and average daily consumption by consumers of the tobacco heating products (THPs): the non-mentholated THP1.0(T), the mentholated THP1.0(M) and a tobacco heating system (THS). The extent of lip blocking of air inlet holes while using THP1.0(T) was also assessed. Groups 1, 2, and 4 included smokers, and group 3 included regular THP users. Smokers of 7–8 mg ISO nicotine free dry particulate matter (NFDPM) non-mentholated cigarettes took on average larger mean puff volumes from THPs than from conventional cigarettes, but puff numbers and durations were similar. Mouth level exposure to NFDPM and nicotine levels were significantly lower when using THPs than conventional cigarettes. Similar trends were observed among smokers of 7–8 mg ISO NFDPM mentholated cigarettes who used mentholated cigarettes and THP1.0(M). Regular users of commercial THS had similar puffing behaviours irrespective of whether they were using THS or THP1.0(T), except for mean puff volume which was lower with THP1.0(T). No smokers blocked the air inlet holes when using THP1.0(T). The puffing topography results support the machine puffing regime used to generate toxicant emissions data and in vitro toxicology testing.

A comparative assessment of cigarette smoke aerosols using an in vitro air–liquid interface cytotoxicity test

This study describes the evaluation of a modified air-liquid interface BALB/c 3T3 cytotoxicity method for the assessment of smoke aerosols in vitro. The functionality and applicability of this modified protocol was assessed by comparing the cytotoxicity profiles from eight different cigarettes. Three reference cigarettes, 1R5F, 3R4F and CORESTA Monitor 7 were used to put the data into perspective and five bespoke experimental products were manufactured, ensuring a balanced and controlled study. Manufactured cigarettes were matched for key variables such as nicotine delivery, puff number, pressure drop, ventilation, carbon monoxide, nicotine free dry particulate matter and blend, but significantly modified for vapor phase delivery, via the addition of two different types and quantities of adsorptive carbon. Specifically manufacturing products ensures comparisons can be made in a consistent manner and allows the research to ask targeted questions, without confounding product variables. The results demonstrate vapor-phase associated cytotoxic effects and clear differences between the products tested and their cytotoxic profiles. This study has further characterized the in vitro vapor phase biological response relationship and confirmed that the biological response is directly proportional to the amount of available vapor phase toxicants in cigarette smoke, when using a Vitrocell® VC 10 exposure system. This study further supports and strengthens the use of aerosol based exposure options for the appropriate analysis of cigarette smoke induced responses in vitro and may be especially beneficial when comparing aerosols generated from alternative tobacco aerosol products.

A portable device to measure puffing behaviour and tobacco smoke exposure

Standardised machine methods to measure cigarettes have been developed to routinely measure cigarette smoke yields (ISO 3308:2000). While this methodology allows products to be compared it is not indicative of how smokers use a product. Therefore, to provide more accurate measurements of the levels of smoke to which smokers are exposed, it is necessary to measure their puffing behaviour (topography). Since 2002, British American Tobacco (BAT) has used the Smoking Analyser 7 (SA7, BAT/C-Matic Systems) to measure a smoker’s puffing topography and optical tar in real time. Optical tar is an estimate of Nicotine Free Dry Particulate Matter (NFDPM) or tar, based on light obscuration from the smoke aerosol. The SA7 can only be used in a central location, due to its need for a trained operator. Under these conditions smokers’ behaviour may be altered. We have therefore developed a portable, handheld version named the Portable Smoking Analyser (PSA). This records puffing behaviour (flow, volume, duration and interval), by measuring the pressure drop across the device, and optical tar per puff, again by light obscuration, against a gravimetric calibration. The PSA was tested using a two stage approach; the first stage evaluated the accuracy and precision of the PSA in recording machine-generated flow rates and volumes, while the second stage used pre-recorded human puffing profiles. During stage one, a series of flow rates were drawn through the PSA using a Smoking Cycle Simulator (Cambustion, Cambridge UK) with a mass flow meter (TSI, High Wycombe UK) in-line to record the flow rate generated. Figure 1 shows a comparison of the flow rates recorded by the PSA compared to the mass flow meter.

An Improved Cambridge Filter Pad Extraction Methodology to Obtain More Accurate Water and “Tar” Values: In Situ Cambridge Filter Pad Extraction Methodology

AbstractPrevious investigations by others and internal investigations at Philip Morris International (PMI) have shown that the standard trapping and extraction procedure used for conventional cigarettes, defined in the International Standard ISO 4387 (Cigarettes -- Determination of total and nicotine-free dry particulate matter using a routine analytical smoking machine), is not suitable for high-water content aerosols. Errors occur because of water losses during the opening of the Cambridge filter pad holder to remove the filter pad as well as during the manual handling of the filter pad, and because the commercially available filter pad holder, which is constructed out of plastic, may adsorb water. This results in inaccurate values for the water content, and erroneous and overestimated values for Nicotine Free Dry Particulate Matter (NFDPM). A modified 44 mm Cambridge filter pad holder and extraction equipment which supports in situ extraction methodology has been developed and tested. The principle of the in situ extraction methodology is to avoid any of the above mentioned water losses by extracting the loaded filter pad while kept in the Cambridge filter pad holder which is hermetically sealed by two caps. This is achieved by flushing the extraction solvent numerous times through the hermetically sealed Cambridge filter pad holder by means of an in situ extractor. The in situ methodology showed a significantly more complete water recovery, resulting in more accurate NFDPM values for high-water content aerosols compared to the standard ISO methodology. The work presented in this publication demonstrates that the in situ extraction methodology applies to a wider range of smoking products and smoking regimens, whereas the standard ISO methodology only applies to a limited range of smoking products and smoking regimens, e.g., conventional cigarettes smoked under ISO smoking regimen. In cases where a comparison of yields between the PMI HTP and conventional cigarettes is required the in situ extraction methodology must be used for the aerosol of the PMI HTP to obtain accurate NFDPM/”tar” values. This would be for example the case if there were a need to print “tar” yields on packs or compare yields to ceilings. Failure to use the in situ extraction methodology will result in erroneous and overestimated NFDPM/”tar” values.

A Device to Measure a Smoker’s Puffing Topography and Real-Time Puff-By-Puff “Tar” Delivery

AbstractA device for measuring the flow, duration and volume characteristics of human puffing behaviour when smoking cigarettes is described. Cigarettes are smoked through a holder comprising a measured pressure drop across a critical orifice. The holder also contains a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and photodetector that measures light obscuration in order to estimate nicotine-free dry particulate matter (NFDPM, “tar”) delivery. All data are recorded on a puff-by-puff basis and displayed in real time. These NFDPM estimates are known as optical “tar” (OT), and are derived from the calibration of the OT measurement versus gravimetric NFDPM yields of cigarettes under a range of smoking regimes. In a test study, puff volumes from 20-80 mL were recorded to ± 6.0% of a pre-set volume, with an absolute error of 4.7 mL for an 80 mL volume drawn on a lit cigarette, and an average error of less than 2.0 mL across the range 20-80 mL. The relationship between NFDPM and OT was linear (R2 = 0.99) and accurate to ± 1.3 mg per cigarette over the range 1-23 mg per cigarette. The device provides an alternative to the widely used part filter methodology for estimating mouth level exposure with an added benefit that no further laboratory smoking replication or analysis is required. When used in conjunction with the part filter methodology, the puffing behaviour recorded can explain anomalies in the data while providing a second independent estimate.

Study on the effect of potassium lactate additive on the combustion behavior and mainstream smoke of cigarettes

The influence of potassium lactate (PL) on the combustion behavior and semi-volatile compounds of tobacco during smoking is investigated in this study. The addition of PL showed no effect on the content of total particulate matter, nicotine-free dry particulate matter, puff number, and nicotine. Meanwhile, a 22.5 % increase in moisture content and 3 % decrease in CO content of mainstream smoke were observed when the added amount of PL was up to 2 %. The differential thermogravimetric curves indicated that PL decreased the maximum combustion rate and influenced the thermal degradation stage of tobacco by shifting the peak point of temperature to a higher value. The gas evolution profiles obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy during combustion showed that PL could lower the CO and CO2 yield, but did not affect the generation of CH4 and carbonyl compounds. A great variation in semi-volatile components of the mainstream smoke was also observed from the tobacco containing PL compared with the control. The comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis showed that PL increased the yield of alcohols, lactons, miscellaneous oxygenated compounds and amides, but decreased that of aldehydes, acids, pyrroles and pyrazines. A small added amount (0.2 %) of PL reduced the content of total semi-volatile substances, ketones, esters, phenols, hydrocarbons, pyridines, tobacco alkaloids, and nitrogenous compound. However, the contents of these substances were not affected when the added amount was >0.2 %. PL bound the ash during combustion, thereby leading to the change of combustion behavior and certain smoke components.

Effect of Sugar Content on Acetaldehyde Yield in Cigarette Smoke

Abstract The relationship between cigarette blend sugar and acetaldehyde formed in its smoke is a matter of current regulatory interest. This paper provides a re-analysis of data from 83 European commercial cigarettes studied in the 1970s and more modern data on sugar levels and acetaldehyde yields from a series of 97 European commercial cigarettes containing both inherent sugar and in other cases inherent and added sugar. It also provides data from 65 experimental cigarette products made from single curing grades of tobacco, having a wide range of inherent sugar levels but no added sugar. This study has shown that there is no relationship between acetaldehyde yields and blend sugar content even if a multivariate analysis is carried out taking into account Nicotine Free Dry Particulate Matter (NFDPM) as a co-factor. Such analyses should take into consideration each of the known contributory factors in order to avoid misleading conclusions. No distinction was found between the mainstream acetaldehyde yields from dark air-cured, flue-cured or US blended style cigarettes irrespective of their sugar content after taking account of differences in NFDPM yields. Similarly, no distinction was found between mainstream acetaldehyde yields of cigarettes made from single grades of either flue-cured, sun-cured or air-cured tobaccos with no sugar added. This work supports the conclusion that structural material in the tobacco plant is the main source of acetaldehyde in mainstream smoke after combustion during cigarette smoking.

Design and chemical evaluation of reduced machine-yield cigarettes

Experimental cigarettes (ECs) were made by combining technological applications that individually reduce the machine measured yields of specific toxicants or groups of toxicants in mainstream smoke (MS). Two tobacco blends, featuring a tobacco substitute sheet or a tobacco blend treatment, were combined with filters containing an amine functionalised resin (CR20L) and/or a polymer-derived, high activity carbon adsorbent to generate three ECs with the potential for generating lower smoke toxicant yields than conventional cigarettes. MS yields of smoke constituents were determined under 4 different smoking machine conditions. Health Canada Intense (HCI) machine smoking conditions gave the highest MS yields for nicotine-free dry particulate matter and for most smoke constituents measured. Toxicant yields from the ECs were compared with those from two commercial comparator cigarettes, three scientific control cigarettes measured contemporaneously and with published data on 120 commercial cigarettes. The ECs were found to generate some of the lowest machine yields of toxicants from cigarettes for which published HCI smoke chemistry data are available; these comparisons therefore confirm that ECs with reduced MS machine toxicant yields compared to commercial cigarettes can be produced. The results encourage further work examining human exposure to toxicants from these cigarettes, including human biomarker studies.

Mouth level smoke exposure using analysis of filters from smoked cigarettes: A study of eight countries

The analysis of spent cigarette filters enables the estimation of the nicotine and tar (nicotine-free dry particulate matter) yields obtained by smokers in their everyday environment and has been shown to correlate well with biomarkers of exposure.Leading products across the range of ISO tar yields were selected from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and Switzerland. At least fifty demographically representative smokers were recruited per product. Subjects, ⩾21years of age and smoking ⩾5 cigarettes per day, were asked to collect ⩾15 filters from cigarettes they had smoked. The collected filters were analysed for nicotine and UV absorbance to enable the smokers’ mouth level exposure to nicotine and tar to be estimated and a comparison of countries and tobacco blend styles to be made. Smoking history data were also collected.More than 80,000 filters were collected from 5703 smokers of 106 products from eight countries. Mean±SD estimated nicotine exposures per cigarette and per day ranged from 0.93±0.34mg/cigarette (Brazil) to 1.77±0.69mg/cigarette (South Africa) and from 16.4±11.1mg/day (Germany) to 31.5±14.8mg/day (South Africa), respectively. Male smokers obtained higher mean estimated tar and nicotine exposures than female smokers. These gender differences were statistically significant for six countries. Significant correlations were found between estimated nicotine exposure and ISO nicotine yield, and between estimated tar exposure and ISO tar yield (p<0.001).

Determination of “Hoffmann Analytes” in Cigarette Mainstream Smoke. The Coresta 2006 Joint Experiment

Abstract Regulatory authorities are currently discussing the measurement of and imposition of ceilings on certain smoke analytes, the so called ‘Hoffmann analytes’. However, as a pre-requisite, the measurement methods and the tolerances around the measurements first need to be established. In 1999, the Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) set up a Task Force ‘Special Analytes’ to deal with analytical methodology for measuring ‘Hoffmann analytes’ under International Standard (ISO) smoking and to work towards the standardisation of methods. This paper describes the output and conclusions from a 2005-2006 joint experiment made within the Task Force representing laboratories currently able to analyse these compounds. Data were obtained on most ‘Hoffmann analytes’ from reference cigarettes (2R4F and 1R5F), collecting data according to the existing methods used by the nineteen participating laboratories, in order to describe the within and among laboratory variability and to see which methods could most benefit from more rigorous standardisation work. In some cases, the applied statistical analysis found that methods could not well differentiate the 1R5F and 2R4F cigarettes of differing ‘tar’ yield. This was explained, in part, by the broad range of methods used by the participating laboratories but also indicated that there were significant inadequacies in the choice of some methods or weaknesses in their application. Results indicate that ‘Hoffmann analyte’ data are generally more variable both within and among laboratories than nicotine free dry particulate matter (NFDPM); nicotine and carbon monoxide due to their lower smoke yields. Accordingly, tolerances around methods adopted for regulatory purposes will need to be proportionately higher. Methods for benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), already taken to CORESTA recommended methods or ISO standardised methods through the efforts of this Task Force, give some of the most reproducible results, showing the value of this process. However, these data strongly suggest that even these analytes have much higher among-laboratory variability than for NFDPM, nicotine and CO and, based on the only two available one point in time studies, may need tolerances in the range of 35-45% for B[a]P and 26-55% for TSNAs, if they are to be measured for regulatory purposes. The collected data is useful to participating laboratories for internal method validation and laboratory accreditation, and data comparisons with others allow laboratories to identify strengths and weaknesses in their current methods. However, much work still needs to be carried out to take most of the methods towards standardisation. Although some fundamental differences or areas of concern around the methodology are discussed herein, they are not comprehensive and there may be others that need to be addressed before methods can be considered ready to take to a Recommended Method and/or to an ISO Standard. These methodological issues are being addressed in further CORESTA work within this Task Force. Smoke analytes with the highest variability found in this study and those analytes that are currently of highest regulatory interest are being prioritised and after further joint experiments, the results are intended to be published.

Existing technologies to reduce specific toxicant emissions in cigarette smoke

Background:The World Health Organization Tobacco Product Regulation (TobReg) study group has proposed emissions level performance standards for nine toxicants (NNN, NNK, acetaldehyde, acrolein, 1,3-butadiene, CO, BaP, benzene and formaldehyde, all...

Measurement of the “Tar” and Nicotine Yield of Fine-Cut Smoking Articles - The ISO/TC 126 Collaborative Study 2001

Abstract The Technical Committee ISO/TC 126 ‘Tobacco and tobacco products’ of the International Organization for Standardization set up Working Group 7 to develop and test a method for the determination of ‘tar’ and nicotine yield when fine-cut smoking articles (FCSAs) are smoked by routine-analytical smoking machines. FCSAs are individually made by consumers using tobaccos manufactured for enclosure in paper wrappers (i.e. leaflets and tubes - with or without filters). This paper records the history of method development, defines terms and explains the differences between measurements made on FCSAs and commercially factory made cigarettes. Individual consumer making practices are represented by the specification of four hand-made article types using two wrappers of different physical properties each with either 400 mg or 750 mg tobacco. ISO standards require estimates of the repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R) of analytical methods, so the working group has conducted a collaborative study. The values ofr andR were determined using the definitions given in ISO 5725-2 (18). Twenty laboratories took part and tested three different commercial tobacco blends according to the standard method. The detailed protocol for the study is given in Annex A. Annex B is an illustrated manual used as a training aid for laboratory personnel with little experience of making FCSAs. After the smoking was completed, the laboratory data were examined for outlying points by the methods of Grubbs and Cochran. It was found necessary to exclude the data from one laboratory prior to statistical analysis otherwise the incidence of outliers was low (1.41%). Values ofr andR were calculated from the results of one-way analyses of variance (within and between laboratories) for smoke nicotine and nicotine-free dry particulate matter (NFDPM). The data for the 19 laboratories are given in Annex C. The quality of the data is high as is shown by the comparisons made between ther andR values for the articles and those for the monitor test pieces which were used to confirm that smoking conditions run-to-run were satisfactory. The range of NFDPM and smoke nicotine yields resulting from the four designs of articles is large for each of the three blends. The measured NFDPM yields of the four designs are ranked in the same order by all of the laboratories and all pairs are statistically different for every laboratory. For smoke nicotine the ranking order is the same for all laboratories. All pairs are statistically different in all but three laboratories for which only the 400 mg articles were not statistically different. Ther andR data are given in tables and in graphical representation. The graphs show thatr andR increase with the mean values of NFDPM and smoke nicotine yields. Such a trend has also been found in studies using factory-made cigarettes. A comparison of results shows thatr values for articles are approximately 40% greater andR values about 100% greater. The variability of individual hand-made articles in this study is likely to be much greater than the variability of machine-made matched cigarette samples. The method detailed in ISO 15592-3, therefore, is satisfactory for general adoption even in laboratories where there has been little previous experience.

Potassium Organic Salts as Burn Additives in Cigarettes

Abstract Three potassium salts of organic acids, namely malate, citrate and tartrate, have been sprayed onto flue-cured blend tobacco and subsequently tested for their performance as burn additives in cigarettes. In one experiment where potassium malate was added to vary the final tobacco potassium from ca. 3.1% to 8.3% (wet weight), an almost linearly reduction in puff temperature was measured. This was accompanied by a gradual increase in the cigarette's pressure drop. In another set of experiments where the final tobacco potassium contents were increased to ca. 5.1%, the three potassium salts showed almost equal reduction in the mainstream nicotine-free-dry-particulate-matter (NFDPM) at 32-35%, nicotine at 25-32% and carbon monoxide at 24-35%. Puff number showed ca. 23% increase with malate, 13% with citrate and almost unchanged for tartrate. Evidence of melting and coating by potassium malate was discovered in cigarette ash by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This contributed to a noticeable change in ash morphology: small ash particles appeared to be coated and more tightly bonded together by the melt. This phenomenon was thought to be able to restrict the airflow during puffing, hence causing the measured increase in pressure drop, and the reductions in puff temperature, NFDPM, nicotine and carbon monoxide.

Investigation of mainstream smoke aerosol of the argileh water pipe

A first-generation smoking machine and protocol have been developed in order to study the mainstream smoke aerosol and elucidate thermal-fluid processes of the argileh water pipe. Results using a common mo'assel tobacco mixture show that, contrary to popular perceptions, the mainstream smoke contains significant amounts of nicotine, “tar” and heavy metals. With a standard smoking protocol of 100 puffs of 3 s duration spaced at 30-s intervals, the following results were obtained in a single smoking session: 2.25 mg nicotine, 242 mg nicotine-free dry particulate matter (NFDPM), and relative to the smoke of a single cigarette, high levels of arsenic, chromium and lead. It was found that increasing puff frequency increased the NFDPM but had little effect on nicotine delivery, while removing the water from the bowl increased by several-fold the nicotine, but had little effect on NFDPM. It was also found that the charcoal disk heat source contributed less than 2% of total particulate matter (TPM), and that characteristic temperatures of the tobacco varied from 450 °C nearest the heat source to 50 °C furthest away, indicating that the NFDPM is likely a result of devolatilization rather than chemical reaction, and will thus differ significantly in composition from that of cigarette smoke.