Heavy metals in cigarettes for sale in Spain

Heavy metal concentrations and clinical symptoms in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia related to cigarette smoking

In our study, blood concentrations of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) and urine concentrations of thallium (Tl) were measured together with related symptoms of heavy metal poisoning in cigarette smoking volunteers diagnosed with schizophrenia, in cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in the control group of non-smokers and not diagnosed with schizophrenia volunteers. Our study was performed on 171 volunteers divided into the following subgroups: patients diagnosed with schizophrenia with at least 1 year of continuous cigarette smoking experience (56 participants), cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia with at least one year of continuous smoking experience (58), and control group (not diagnosed with schizophrenia and non-smoking volunteers) (57). Smoking durations of cigarette smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia and cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia are not similar (p = 0.431). Blood Pb, As, and Cd concentrations and urine Tl concentrations were the highest in the subgroup of cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia, followed by the subgroup of cigarette smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia, and the control group. Only blood Pb concentrations were significantly higher (probability value p < 0.05) in the group of cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia (5.16 μg/dL), comparing to the group of cigarette smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia (3.83 μg/dL) and to the control group (3.43 μg/dL). Blood Cd and As concentrations and urine Tl concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia than in the control group. The results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) in the cigarette smokers in the schizophrenia diagnosed group between blood Pb, blood As, and urine Tl concentrations and the duration of cigarette smoking.

Tracking the Variations in Trace and Heavy Elements in Smoking Products Marketed in Oman and Egypt: Risk Assessment After Implementation of Constraining Protocols

Tobacco smoking is becoming one of the major worldwide concerns regarding environmental pollution as well as health threats. In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the Framework Convention On Tobacco Control (FCTC), which outlined protocols for controlling tobacco products. Oman was one of the leading countries to follow these protocols; however, Egypt has only followed these protocols recently in 2020. One of the main challenges in tobacco product control is the variation in their trace element's types and amounts from country to country owing to differences in agriculture techniques and used chemical additives. Smoking releases different toxic metal ions found in them into the air, and hence, analyzing trace amounts of metals in tobacco smoking products is becoming more critical. The proposed research aims to evaluate the current levels of 11 heavy metals (namely, As, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Be, Ba, Mn, Ni, Fe, and Hg) in 22 tobacco products available in Egypt and Oman using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and a direct mercury analyzer. Although some elements such as Be, Co, and Cd were absent, the positive detection of As and Pb and the levels of Ba, Cr, and Ni are still alarming, especially for heavy smokers. The obtained results were then statistically related to previously published data in 2017 to explore the effectiveness of implementing the FCTC protocols within the Egyptian market. The outcomes suggested a positive impact of FCTC protocol implementation in Egypt, besides the lower levels of elemental content for Omani products compared to the Egyptian market.

Effects of Soil Properties on Pb, Cd, and Cu Contents in Tobacco Leaves of Longyan, China, and Their Prediction Models

Longyan City in Fujian Province is one of China's top-quality tobacco-producing areas and plays an essential role in local economic development. To determine the correlation between heavy metal content in tobacco leaves and soil factors, soil physical and chemical properties and heavy metal contents of lead, cadmium, and copper in tobacco leaves were measured and analyzed by the correlation regression method. The content of lead, cadmium, and copper in soil was determined using hydrochloric acid extraction-AAS and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to determine heavy metal in tobacco leaf. The findings revealed that the average concentrations of lead, cadmium, and copper in the soil were 12.1, 0.092, and 3.88 mg/kg, respectively. In contrast, the average levels of lead, cadmium, and copper in tobacco leaves were 2.33, 4.89, and 4.35 mg/kg, respectively. The cadmium enrichment coefficient of 54.3 was higher than lead and copper, indicating a greater health risk. Soil pH value was negatively correlated with lead content in tobacco leaf, while potassium and phosphorus nutrient levels were negatively correlated with copper content. In contrast, a positive correlation was established between the presence of organic matter with cadmium content in tobacco leaves. The prediction models of lead, cadmium, and copper in tobacco leaves can be expressed by the regression equation corresponding to each heavy metal as follows: YPb=2.33 - 0.005∗ XK+0.007∗XN  - 0.271∗XpH+0.065∗XPb (R2 = 0.787), YCd=1.55+0.012∗XOM - 0.014∗XCu+34.6∗XCd (R2 = 0.891), and YCu=4.64 - 0.029∗XP - 0.007∗XK+0.245∗XCu (R2 = 0.724), respectively. The prediction models above provide an effective predictive tool for assessing heavy metal risk in tobacco leaves using soil properties in the study area.

N- and S-codoped carbon quantum dots for enhancing fluorescence sensing of trace Hg2

Carbon-quantum-dot-based fluorescence sensing of Hg2+ is a well-known cost-effective tactic with fast response and high sensitivity, while rationally constructing heteroatom-doped carbon quantum dots with improved fluorescence sensing performances through tuning the electronic and chemical structures of the reactive site still remains a challenging project for monitoring trace Hg2+ in aquatic ecosystems to avoid harm resulting from its high toxicity, nonbiodegradabilty and accumulative effects on human health. Herein, intriguing N,S-codoped carbon quantum dots were synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal procedure. As an admirable fluorescent probe with plentiful heteroatom-related functional groups, these N,S-codoped carbon quantum dots can exhibit an absolute fluorescence quantum yield as high as 11.6%, excellent solubility and stability over three months, remarkable sensitivity for Hg2+ detection with an attractive detection limit of 0.27 μg L-1 and admirable selectivity for Hg2+ against thirteen other metal ions. Density functional theory calculations reveal that electron-enriched meta-S of the unique graphitic N with homocyclic meta-thiophene sulfur structure can regulate this N site to have more electrons and preferable affinity towards Hg, hence achieving enhanced fluorescence quenching due to greater charge transfer from N to Hg after the coordination interaction. This strategy provides a promising avenue for precisely designing purpose-made quantum dots with the dedicated fluorescence sensing applications.

Heavy metals in popularly sold branded cigarettes in Bangladesh and associated health hazards from inhalation exposure

Tobacco products are widely recognized as a major contributor to death. Cigarette smoke contains several toxic chemicals including heavy metals particulate causing high health risks. However, limited information has been available on the health risks associated with the heavy metals in cigarettes commonly sold in the Bangladeshi market. This study evaluated the concentrations and potential health risks posed by ten concerned heavy metals in ten widely consumed cigarette brands in Bangladesh using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentration (mg/kg) ranges of heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Co, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn vary between 0.46-1.05, 0.55-1.03, 0.80-1.2, 0.22-0.40, 0.46-0.78, 2.59-3.03, 436.8-762.7, 115.8-184.4, 146.6-217.7, and 34.0-42.7, respectively. We assume that the heavy metals content among cigarette brands is varied due to the differences in the source of tobacco they use for cigarette preparation. The carcinogenic risks posed by heavy metals follow the order of Cr > Co > Cd > As > Ni > Pb, while the non-carcinogenic risks for Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were greater than unity (HQ > 1), except for Fe. The existence of toxic heavy metals in cigarette tobacco may thus introduce noticeable non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health impacts accompanying inhalation exposure. This study provides the first comprehensive report so far on heavy metal concentration and associated health risks in branded cigarettes commonly sold in Bangladesh. Hence, this data and the information provided can serve as a baseline as well as a reference for future research and have potential implications for policy and legislation in Bangladesh.

Watershed seasonality regulating vanadium concentrations and ecological risks in the coastal aquatic habitats of the northwest Pacific

Vanadium is a component of different natural and industrial products and a widely used metal, which, nonetheless, has only garnered attention in recent years owing to its potential risks. Six sampling trips were conducted over different seasons and years, collecting 108 samples from rivers and 232 from the bays and analyzed using high-precision inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This study investigated the sources, spatiotemporal characteristics, and risks of vanadium in the aquatic ecosystems of two typical bays of the Northwest Pacific that have strong links with vanadium-related industries. Likewise, the health and ecological risks were assessed using probabilistic and deterministic approaches. Overall, vanadium concentrations were higher in Jiaozhou Bay (JZB: 0.41-52.7 μg L^-1) than in Laizhou Bay (LZB: 0.39-17.27 μg L^-1), with concentrations higher than the majority of the worldwide studies. Vanadium-realted industries significantly impacted (p < 0.05) the metal concentrations in the rivers with 54.22% (40.73-150%) and 54.45% (27.66%-68.87%) greater concentrations in JZB and LZB rivers. In addition, vanadium exhibited significant seasonal variation, and higher values were quantified during the monsoon period at LZB owing to the greater catchment area. Impacted by smaller freshwater inputs, the post-monsoon period had substantial impacts on JZB, and vanadium in the rivers and bays was significantly higher during the winter. Despite some concentrations being higher than that indicated in the drinking water guidelines established by China, vanadium presents low to null risks to the population as per both approaches. Last, species with limited resilience are likely to face medium to high risks, with an incidence of 65-93% using the probabilistic method and 52-97% using the deterministic assessment.

Plasma Lead Concentration and Risk of Late Kidney Allograft Failure: Findings From the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Studies

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Heavy metals are known to induce kidney damage, and recent studies have linked minor exposures to cadmium and arsenic with increased risk of kidney allograft failure, yet the potential association of lead with late graft failure in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains unknown.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study in The Netherlands.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

We studied outpatient KTRs (n = 670) with a functioning graft for ≥1 year recruited at a university setting (2008-2011) and followed for a median of 4.9 (interquartile range, 3.4-5.5) years. Additionally, patients with chronic kidney disease (n = 46) enrolled in the ongoing TransplantLines Cohort and Biobank Study (2016-2017, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03272841) were studied at admission for transplant and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplant.

EXPOSURE

Plasma lead concentration was log₂-transformed to estimate the association with outcomes per doubling of plasma lead concentration and also considered categorically as tertiles of lead distribution.

OUTCOME

Kidney graft failure (restart of dialysis or repeat transplant) with the competing event of death with a functioning graft.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Multivariable-adjusted cause-specific hazards models in which follow-up of KTRs who died with a functioning graft was censored.

RESULTS

Median baseline plasma lead concentration was 0.31 (interquartile range, 0.22-0.45) μg/L among all KTRs. During follow-up, 78 (12%) KTRs experienced graft failure. Higher plasma lead concentration was associated with increased risk of graft failure (hazard ratio, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.14-2.21] per doubling; P = 0.006) independent of age, sex, transplant characteristics, estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, smoking status, alcohol intake, and plasma concentrations of cadmium and arsenic. These findings remained materially unchanged after additional adjustment for dietary intake and were consistent with those of analyses examining lead categorically. In serial measurements, plasma lead concentration was significantly higher at admission for transplant than at 3 months after transplant (P = 0.001), after which it remained stable over 2 years of follow-up (P = 0.2).

LIMITATIONS

Observational study design.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretransplant plasma lead concentrations, which decrease after transplant, are associated with increased risk of late kidney allograft failure. These findings warrant further studies to evaluate whether preventive or therapeutic interventions to decrease plasma lead concentration may represent novel risk-management strategies to decrease the rate of kidney allograft failure.

Content of toxic components of cigarette, cigarette smoke vs cigarette butts: A comprehensive systematic review

The commercially sold cigarettes contain more than 7000 chemicals, and their combustion produces potential toxicants in mainstream smoke (MS), sidestream smoke (SS), secondhand smoke (SHS), thirdhand smoke (THS), and discarded cigarette butts (CBs). We conducted a systematic review of published literature to compare the toxicants produced in each of these phases of tobacco combustion (MS, SS, and CBs). The initial search included 12,301 articles, but after screening and final restrictions considering the aims of this review, 159 published studies were selected for inclusion. Additionally, SHS and THS are briefly discussed here. Overall, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other aromatic hydrocarbons have been represented in more studies than other compounds. However, metals and nitrosamines were detected in higher concentrations than other components in SS. The concentrations of most PAHs and other aromatic hydrocarbons in MS and SS are higher compared to concentrations found in CBs. Also, the concentrations of all the studied carbonyl compounds, aldehydes and ketones in SS and MS were higher than in CBs. The mean levels of alcohols and phenols in SS were higher than those reported for both MS and CBs. Tobacco toxicants are inhaled by smokers and transmitted to the environment through SS, SHS, THS, and discarded CBs. However, further studies are necessary to assess adverse effects of toxicants found in CBs and THS not only on human health, but also on the environment and ecosystems. The results of this review provide updated information on the chemical contents of MS, SS, SHS, THS, and CBs. It adds to the growing understanding that smoking creates major health problems for smokers and passive smokers, but also that it generates environmental hazards with consequences to the ecosystems and human health through discarded CBs, SHS, and THS exposure.

Associations of Semen Quality with Seminal Non-essential Heavy Metals in Males from the Canary Islands

Semen quality and levels of non-essential metals such as strontium (Sr), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) were measured. Metals were determined by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry) in semen samples from 102 men who were recruited in a Reproduction Unit in the Canary Islands. The presence of each metal was as follows: Sr: 56.9%, Al: 73.5%, Pb: 45.1%, Ni: 15.7%, and V: 79.4% of the samples. No significant differences were found in the relationship between the spermiogram, the sperm motility, and the concentration of spermatozoa levels of non-essential metals. It is noteworthy that Ni levels tend to be lower in patients with oligozoospermia (t (46.4) = 1.84; p = 0.070). Between lifestyle and non-essential metals, there was a significant relationship between the level of occupational exposure to metals and Ni (χ²(2) = 13.91; p = 0.001). We did not find significant differences in non-essential seminal metal content and smoking status but, there were differences between drinkers and the concentration of V in semen (t (100) = -1.99; p = 0.050). The occupational exposure to metals and place of residence have effects on Al and V levels in semen. Regarding obesity, significant differences were found in Pb levels (t (18.0) = 2.34; p = 0.031). Obese patients have a lower Pb level, and the percentage of progressive sperm motility was lower in obese men (t (98) = 2.14; p = 0.035). The detection of metals in semen opens a new field in the study of male infertility with the possibility of performing treatments aimed at correcting these possible anomalies.

The Effectiveness of an Artificial Floating Wetland to Remove Nutrients in an Urban Stream: A Pilot-Study in the Chicago River, Chicago, IL USA

Ever expanding urbanized landscapes are increasingly impacting streams that run through them. Among other stressors, urban streams often are host to elevated concentrations of nutrients, salts, and heavy metals. The pollutants, coupled with high temperatures, are drivers of ecosystem degradation in urban streams. The installation of artificial floating wetlands (AFWs) has been successful in mitigating the effects of urbanization in lakes and wastewater treatment ponds, but rarely have they been tested in streams. This pilot-study examined the ability of an AFW to improve water quality in an urban stream. The small, 90 m2 AFW was installed to improve the aquatic habitat and aesthetics of a small section of the Chicago River, Chicago, IL USA. Water samples and in-situ measurements were collected from the surface and at 0.3 m depth of upstream and downstream of the AFW. Samples were analyzed for nitrate-as-nitrogen, phosphate, chloride, and heavy metals. Comparison of upstream and downstream waters showed that the AFW lowered the concentrations of nitrate-as-nitrogen and phosphate during the growing season by 6.9% and 6.0%, respectively. Nitrate was also removed during the dormant season; however, phosphate was not removed during that time. Plant or microbial uptake of the nutrients are believed to be the dominant mechanisms in the growing season with denitrification serving as the primary pathway in the dormant season. Despite not having a measurable effect on the water temperature, the AFW was an effective means to reduce concentrations of nitrate and phosphorus, decreasing the potential for eutrophication.

Quantitative Relationship Between Paddy Soil Properties and Cadmium Content in Tobacco leaves

Tobacco readily accumulates cadmium (Cd), an unnecessary and poisonous element. A total of 107 soil and tobacco leaf samples were collected from South China, to clarify the quantitative relationship between soil properties and Cd content in tobacco leaves. The results showed that 86.9% of the total sampling points had soil cadmium in excess of standard value, and the ratio of active Cd content to total soil Cd content was 24.0%. The enrichment factor of tobacco Cd was 3.43. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd concentration in tobacco leaves and soil Cd content. Soil pH, organic matter and cation exchange amount were negatively correlated with the Cd enrichment factor of tobacco. This present study has provided a regression model of tobacco Cd content based on soil factors, which could accurately predict Cd content in different parts of tobacco.

PM2.5 and Trace Elements in Underground Shopping Districts in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Korea

We measured PM_2.5 in 41 underground shopping districts (USDs) in the Seoul metropolitan area from June to November 2017, and associated 18 trace elements to determine the sources and assess the respiratory risks. The PM_2.5 concentrations were 18.0 ± 8.0 μg/m³ inside USDs, which were lower than 25.2 ± 10.6 μg/m³ outside. We identified five sources such as indoor miscellanea, soil dust, vehicle exhaust/cooking, coal combustion, and road/subway dust, using factor analysis. Almost 67% of the total trace element concentration resulted from soil dust. Soil dust contribution increased with the number of stores because of fugitive dust emissions due to an increase in passers-by. Vehicle exhaust/cooking contribution was higher when the entrances of the USDs were closed, whereas coal combustion contribution was higher when the entrances of the USDs were open. Although miscellanea and coal combustion contributions were 3.4% and 0.7%, respectively, among five elements with cancer risk, Cr and Ni were included in miscellanea, and Pb, Cd, and As were included in coal combustion. The excess cancer risk (ECR) was the highest at 67 × 10^-6 for Cr, and the ECR for Pb was lower than 10^-6, a goal of the United States Environmental Protection Agency for hazardous air pollutants.

Preparation of Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel and Its Adsorption for Pb(II)

In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels were successfully prepared using a facile hydrothermal method and determined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, and scanning electron microscopy. The rGO aerogels were used to remove Pb(II) from aqueous solution, and the adsorption performance of rGO aerogels was investigated. In addition, the adsorption-desorption cycle experiments were carried out to evaluate the recyclability and stability of rGO aerogels. The adsorption data were consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. The experimental results showed that rGO aerogels have good adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and can be utilized for wastewater treatment.

Chromium Levels in Tobacco, Filter and Ash of Illicit Brands Cigarettes Marketed in Brazil

Smoking is a public health problem and an important source of exposure to toxic metals. This work describes an efficient analytical method comparable to the ones based on atomic emission techniques for the determination of chromium in different constituent parts of cigarette samples (tobacco, filters and ashes) using electrothermal vaporization-atomic absorption spectrometry. The method was evaluated using 12 samples, and the results showed recovery values between 83 and 107%. The accuracy was also evaluated using a reference sample of tomato leaves (NIST SRM 1573a), which proved the efficiency of the method. The limits of detection of the developed method were 20.4, 75.8 and 80.7 ng g-1 for tobacco, filter and cigarette ash samples, respectively. The average chromium values found for the analyzed samples were in the range of 0.96 to 3.85 and from 0.32 to 0.80 μg/cigarette for tobacco and ashes, respectively. For most pre-burn and post-burn filter samples, the values of chromium concentration remained below limits of detection. The developed method presented adequate results about precision and accuracy, demonstrating its applicability in the determination of chromium in cigarette samples.

Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Relation to Lifetime Smoking Patterns, Tobacco Type, and Dose-Response Relationships

BACKGROUND

Despite smoking being a well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer, there is a need to further characterize pancreatic cancer risk according to lifespan smoking patterns and other smoking features, such as tobacco type. Our aim was to deeply investigate them within a large European case-control study.

METHODS

Tobacco smoking habits and other relevant information were obtained from 2,009 cases and 1,532 controls recruited in the PanGenEU study using standardized tools. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate pancreatic cancer risk by smoking characteristics and interactions with other pancreatic cancer risk factors. Fractional polynomials and restricted cubic splines were used to test for nonlinearity of the dose-response relationships and to analyze their shape.

RESULTS

Relative to never-smokers, current smokers [OR = 1.72; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.39-2.12], those inhaling into the throat (OR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11-1.99) or chest (OR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12-1.58), and those using nonfiltered cigarettes (OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10-2.61), were all at an increased pancreatic cancer risk. Pancreatic cancer risk was highest in current black tobacco smokers (OR = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.31-3.41), followed by blond tobacco smokers (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.01-2.04). Childhood exposure to tobacco smoke relative to parental smoking was also associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03-1.49). Dose-response relationships for smoking duration, intensity, cumulative dose, and smoking cessation were nonlinear and showed different shapes by tobacco type. Effect modification by family history of pancreatic cancer and diabetes was likely.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals differences in pancreatic cancer risk by tobacco type and other habit characteristics, as well as nonlinear risk associations.

IMPACT

This characterization of smoking-related pancreatic cancer risk profiles may help in defining pancreatic cancer high-risk populations.

Foliar spraying of melatonin confers cadmium tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum L

Melatonin is a multifunctional signaling molecule that regulates broad aspects of responses to environmental stresses in plants. Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent soil contaminant that is toxic to all living organisms. Recent reports have uncovered the protective role of melatonin in alleviating Cd phytotoxicity, but little is known about its regulatory mechanisms in plants. In this study, we found that foliar application of melatonin (in particular 100 μmol L-1) remarkably enhanced Cd tolerance of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaves, as evidenced by less Cd accumulation and alleviation of growth inhibition and photoinhibition, compared with nontreated Cd-stressed plants. The addition of melatonin also controlled oxidative damage of Cd on tobacco through direct scavenging and by enhancing the activities of antioxidative enzymes. Melatonin application promoted Cd sequestration in the cell wall and vacuoles based on the analysis of subcellular distribution of Cd in tobacco cells. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that melatonin-induced Cd tolerance in tobacco leaves was modulated by the expression of Cd-transport genes. Molecular evidence illustrated that modulation of IRT1, Nramp1, HMA2, HMA4, and HMA3 genes caused by melatonin could be responsible for weakening Cd uptake, Cd transportation to xylem, and intensifying Cd sequestration into the root vacuoles.

Alleviation of cadmium toxicity to tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) by biofertilizers involves the changes of soil aggregates and bacterial communities

Tobacco leaves usually accumulate and concentrate high levels of cadmium (Cd) when growing in contaminated soil, and the transfer of Cd through tobacco smoke to human body could cause serious health risks. In this study, we explored the impact of biofertilizers on alleviating Cd-induced growth inhibition of tobacco leaves. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) was planted in three naturally Cd-polluted soils from Chinese main tobacco-planting areas. Adding biofertilizer alleviated Cd-induced degradation of tobacco leaves quality, represented by the balanced K, Cl, N, nicotine or sugar contents and their ratios; Cd reduction rate of tobacco leaves was increased and soil extractable Cd was decreased, when compared with CK (no extra biofertilizer addition). The following changing tendencies were believed to be responsible for immobilizing soil Cd and alleviating its toxicity to tobacco leaves: the re-distribution of Cd from the fraction of smaller soil aggregates to the fraction of larger soil aggregates; and the shift of major soil microbes by increasing the abundance of beneficial taxa such as those from the phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria or Chloroflexi. In all biofertilizer treatments, the effectiveness in mitigating Cd toxicity to tobacco leaves was dependent on the type of biofertilizer and soil applied. This study provides a feasible way to control or reduce Cd toxicity for sustainable tobacco production.

Differential exposure to 33 toxic elements through cigarette smoking, based on the type of tobacco and rolling paper used

Environmental pollution due to various elements is increasing all across the planet owing to their use in industrial processes. The tobacco plants and the vegetables used in the manufacturing of smoking paper may accumulate these elements from the environment. Thus, tobacco and smoking paper may be relevant contributors among the content of elements in cigarettes, including some emerging pollutants such as rare earth elements (REEs). Thirty-two elements related to hi-tech industrial processes were analyzed in tobacco, rolling paper, and filters (n = 257 samples) by ICP-MS. A variety of industrial brands and "roll-your-own" cigarette papers were considered. The potential maximum daily exposure to these elements by a hypothetical heavy smoker was calculated for each type of cigarette. We found significant differences in the levels of most elements, both in the tobacco and in the paper. Black tobacco cigarettes contained the maximum levels. We found that the paper used in roll-your-own cigarettes may significantly modify their concentration of elements. Fast-burning, bleached, and flavored papers also contribute to higher levels of these pollutants. Thus, the differences in theoretical exposure depending on the type of cigarette consumed-either branded or hand-rolled-may be very striking, of up to 35-40 times. In addition to the number of cigarettes consumed per day, it is necessary to consider the type of cigarette consumed to assess the risk of exposure to toxic elements. Tobacco paper is a prominent source of exposure to toxic elements. Cigarette smoke is another source of exposure to emerging contaminants such as REE.

On-line detection of radioactive and non-radioactive heavy metals in tobacco smoke using portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

A portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (PLIBS) device is proposed for on-line detection of radioactive and non-radioactive heavy metals in tobacco smoke with ultra-high sensitivity.

Chemometric approach for discriminating tobacco trademarks by near infrared spectroscopy

Cigarettes are consumer products with a broad market-driven orientation. In order to satisfy the different needs of smokers, cigarette trademarks with different aroma, taste and appearance are available on the market. In this study near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics was applied in order to distinguish cigarette trademarks by analysing the tobacco. Calibration models were developed to differentiate three tobacco trademarks and their respective producers. The developed models also allowed the discrimination of the tobacco according to their geographical origin and may serve as a tool for the detection of counterfeit tobacco.

Source Apportionment and Influencing Factor Analysis of Residential Indoor PM2.5 in Beijing

In order to identify the sources of indoor PM2.5 and to check which factors influence the concentration of indoor PM2.5 and chemical elements, indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and its related elements in residential houses in Beijing were explored. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 samples that were monitored continuously for one week were collected. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM2.5 and 15 elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Se, Tl, V, Zn) were calculated and compared. The median indoor concentration of PM2.5 was 57.64 μg/m³. For elements in indoor PM2.5, Cd and As may be sensitive to indoor smoking, Zn, Ca and Al may be related to indoor sources other than smoking, Pb, V and Se may mainly come from outdoor. Five factors were extracted for indoor PM2.5 by factor analysis, explained 76.8% of total variance, outdoor sources contributed more than indoor sources. Multiple linear regression analysis for indoor PM2.5, Cd and Pb was performed. Indoor PM2.5 was influenced by factors including outdoor PM2.5, smoking during sampling, outdoor temperature and time of air conditioner use. Indoor Cd was affected by factors including smoking during sampling, outdoor Cd and building age. Indoor Pb concentration was associated with factors including outdoor Pb and time of window open per day, building age and RH. In conclusion, indoor PM2.5 mainly comes from outdoor sources, and the contributions of indoor sources also cannot be ignored. Factors associated indoor and outdoor air exchange can influence the concentrations of indoor PM2.5 and its constituents.

Toxic metals in cigarettes and human health risk assessment associated with inhalation exposure

This study evaluated the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in 10 branded cigarettes commonly consumed in Nigeria. Chemical sequential extraction method and pseudo-total metal digestion procedure were used for extraction of metals from filler tobacco and filter samples. Samples were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The filler tobacco of cigarettes had Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the ranges of 5.90-7.94, 18.26-34.94, 192.61-3494.05, 44.67-297.69, 17.21-74.78, and 47.02-167.31 μg/cigarette, respectively. The minimum and maximum concentrations in the filter samples were 8.67-12.34 μg/g of Cd, 1.77-36.48 μg/g of Cu, 1.83-15.27 μg/g of Fe, 3.82-7.44 μg/g of Mn, 4.09-13.78 μg/g of Pb, and 30.07-46.70 μg/g of Zn. The results of this study showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the filler tobacco samples were consistently higher than those obtained for the cigarette filters except for Cd. Toxic metals were largely found in the most labile chemical fractions. Moderate to very high risks are found associated with potential exposure to Cd and Pb. The carcinogenic risks posed by Cd and Pb ranged between 1.87E-02 and 2.52E-02, 1.05E-03 and 4.76E-03, respectively, while the non-carcinogenic risk estimates for Cd and Pb were greater than 1.0 (HI > 1). Toxic metals in cigarette may have significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects associated with inhalation exposure. Continuous monitoring and regulations of the ingredients of imported and locally produced tobacco products are advocated.

Industrial metal pollution in water and probabilistic assessment of human health risk

Concentration of eight heavy metals in surface and groundwater around Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) industrial area were investigated, and the health risk posed to local children and adult residents via ingestion and dermal contact was evaluated using deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Metal concentrations (except Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn) in Bangshi River water were above the drinking water quality guidelines, while in groundwater were less than the recommended limits. Concentration of metals in surface water decreased as a function of distance. Estimations of non-carcinogenic health risk for surface water revealed that mean hazard index (HI) values of As, Cr, Cu, and Pb for combined pathways (i.e., ingestion and dermal contact) were >1.0 for both age groups. The estimated risk mainly came from the ingestion pathway. However, the HI values for all the examined metals in groundwater were <1.0, indicating no possible human health hazard. Deterministically estimated total cancer risk (TCR) via Bangshi River water exceeded the acceptable limit of 1 × 10^-4 for adult and children. Although, probabilistically estimated 95th percentile values of TCR exceeded the benchmark, mean TCR values were less than 1 × 10^-4. Simulated results showed that 20.13% and 5.43% values of TCR for surface water were >1 × 10^-4 for adult and children, respectively. Deterministic and probabilistic estimations of cancer risk through exposure to groundwater were well below the safety limit. Overall, the population exposed to Bangshi River water remained at carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health threat and the risk was higher for adults. Sensitivity analysis identified exposure duration (ED) and ingestion rate (IR) of water as the most relevant variables affecting the probabilistic risk estimation model outcome.