Particulate matter emissions of different brands of mentholated cigarettes

The botanical biofiltration of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter derived from cigarette smoke

Despite the growing use of control measures, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) remains a significant pollutant source in indoor air in many areas of the world. Current control methods for reducing ETS exposure are inadequate to protect public health in environments where cigarettes are smoked. An alternative solution is botanical biofiltration which has previously been shown to lower concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) from a range of polluted air streams. This study is the first to assess the potential of a botanical biofilter with the species Spathiphyllum wallisii (Peace Lily) for the removal of cigarette-derived VOCs and all size fractions of PM. Single pass removal efficiencies of 43.26% for total VOCs and 34.37% for total suspended particles were achieved. The botanical biofilter reduced the concentrations of a range of harmful ETS chemicals including nicotine, limonene, and toluene. Evaluation of the re-emission of ETS constituents filtered by the botanical biofilter revealed no particle resuspension or off gassing. The results demonstrate the potential of botanical biofilters to reduce public ETS exposure, although further research is needed to improve upon and ensure the efficiency of these systems for practical applications.

The impact of second-hand smoke on nitrogen oxides concentrations in a small interior

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x), especially nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), are among the most hazardous forms of air pollution. Tobacco smoke is a main indoor source of NO_x, but little information is available about their concentrations in second-hand smoke (SHS), particularly in small indoors. This study presents data of NO_x and its main components nitric oxide (NO) and NO₂ in SHS emitted by ten different cigarette brands measured in a closed test chamber with a volume of 2.88 m³, similar to the volume of vehicle cabins. The results show substantial increases in NO_x concentrations when smoking only one cigarette. The NO₂ mean concentrations ranged between 105 and 293 µg/m³, the NO₂ peak concentrations between 126 and 357 µg/m³. That means the one-hour mean guideline of 200 µg/m³ for NO₂ of the World Health Organization was exceeded up to 47%, respectively 79%. The measured NO₂ values show positive correlations with the values for tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide stated by the cigarette manufacturers. This study provides NO₂ concentrations in SHS at health hazard levels. These data give rise to the necessity of health authorities' measures to inform about and caution against NO_x exposure by smoking in indoor rooms.

High Particulate Matter Burden of Cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates and Germany: Are There Country-Specific Differences?

Although the big tobacco companies offer the same cigarette brands across countries, little is known about the potential regional differences of the particulate matter (PM) emissions of apparently equal brands. PM emissions of three cigarette brands (Marlboro Gold, Winston Red resp. Classic, Parliament Platinum resp. Night Blue) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany were analysed. Second-hand smoke was produced in a 2.88 m³ measuring cabin by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter. PM size fractions PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁ were detected in real-time using laser aerosol spectrometry. Depending on the PM fraction Marlboro cigarettes from UAE showed 33%-35% higher PM amounts. Moreover, Winston cigarettes from UAE showed distinctly higher PM values (28-31%) than the German counterparts. The "lighter" Parliament from UAE emitted 3%-9% more PM than the German one. The measured mean PM₁₀ values laid between 778 and 1163 µg/m³ (mean PM_2.5: 777-1161 µg/m³; mean PM₁: 724-1074 µg/m³). That means smoking in enclosed rooms causes massive PM burden. The PM emission of equal or similar tobacco products from different countries can differ distinctly. Hence, the declaration of PM emission values, besides nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide amounts, should be obligatory worldwide. Furthermore, complete information about the ingredients and production processes of tobacco products should be provided to health officials and the public. This can help to minimise or ban substances or product designs that make smoking even more harmful, and to enhance the awareness of the risks of smoking.

Particulate matter emissions of less harmful-looking super-slim size cigarettes appealing to women: a laser spectrometric analysis of second-hand smoke

Slim tobacco products shall appear by their look less harmful. In 2013, the European Union ministers discussed to ban them. However, only a ban on small package sizes was realized. To add more data for exposure risk assessment of slim tobacco products, the particulate matter (PM) amount in second-hand smoke (SHS) of super-slim size cigarettes compared with a king size brand was investigated. PM amount of four super-slim size cigarette types of the brand Couture was analysed in comparison with the king-size reference cigarette. Therefore, SHS was produced in an enclosed space with a volume of 2.88 m³ by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter. PM size fractions PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM₁ were measured in real time using a laser aerosol spectrometer. SHS of Couture Gold contained about 36% and Couture Purple about 28% more PM than the reference cigarette. In contrast, Couture Green emitted about 37% and Couture Silver about 53% less PM than the reference cigarette. Depending on the brand, the PM_2.5 mean concentrations increased up to 1538 μg/m³. This exceeds the 24-h mean concentration of at most 25 μg/m³ according to the WHO Air quality guidelines about 62-fold. Smoking in enclosed rooms leads to a massive increase of PM. The PM pollution by slim-size tobacco products are substantial and sometimes higher than by king size tobacco products. Therefore, SHS exposure from slim-size tobacco products is not less harmful to health. Decision makers should take this aspect in consideration.

Classification of flavors in cigarillos and little cigars and their variable cellular and acellular oxidative and cytotoxic responses

Flavored tobacco products are increasing in popularity but remain unregulated, with the exception of the ban on flavored conventional cigarettes. Lack of regulation of cigarillos and little cigars allows vendors to have their own version of popular flavors, each with different chemical components. A new classification system was created for flavored cigars in order to easily communicate our results with the scientific community. To understand the physicochemical characteristics of flavored little cigars and cigarillo smoke, size distribution and concentration of particulate matter in smoke were determined. Acellular reactive oxygen species generation was measured as an indirect measurement of the potential to cause oxidative stress in cells. In addition, cigarillo smoke extract treatment on bronchial epithelial (Beas-2b) cells were assessed to determine the flavor-induced cellular toxicity. Flavored cigars/cigarillos showed significant variability in the tested parameters between flavors as well as brands of the same flavor, but most of the cigars showed higher potential of generating oxidative stress, than research grade cigarettes. Flavored cigars produced maximum particle concentrations at 1.0μm and 4.0 μm compared with 3R4F reference research cigarettes. A differential cytotoxic response was observed with cigarillo smoke extract treatments, with “fruits/candy” and “drinks” being the most toxic, but were not more cytotoxic than smoke from cigarettes. These cigarillos with flavors must be well characterized for toxicity in order to prevent adverse effects caused by exposure to flavor chemicals. Our study provides insight into understanding the potential health effects of flavor-infused cigars/cigarillos and the need for the regulation of those flavoring chemicals in these products. Future research is directed to determine the flavoring toxicity of little cigars and cigarillos in vivo studies.

Impact of fossil fuel emissions and particulate matter on pulmonary health

In recent decades, several national and international legislative efforts have aimed to improve air quality standards and limit major pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, linked to several public health problems. In recent years, particulate matter sources have become an important cause of several pulmonary and systemic diseases. Specifically, several studies examining cigarette smoke particulates have discovered the important contribution that mast cells play in the pathogenesis and progression of smoking-related lung disease and other particulate matter-related lung injury. By understanding the mechanisms of activation and signaling cascades involved in cigarette smoke and mast cell activation, novel pharmacological therapies for particulate matter-induced lung diseases could be developed.

Particulate Matter Emissions of Four Different Cigarette Types of One Popular Brand: Influence of Tobacco Strength and Additives

The inhalation of particulate matter (PM) in second-hand smoke (SHS) is hazardous to health of smokers and non-smokers. Tobacco strength (amount of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide) and different additives might have an effect on the amount of PM. This study aimed to investigate the influence of tobacco strength or additives on PM. Four cigarette types of the brand Marlboro with different strengths and with or without additives were analyzed in comparison to the 3R4F reference cigarette. SHS was generated by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter (AETSE) in an enclosed space with a volume of 2.88 m³. PM concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, PM₁) were measured with a laser aerosol spectrometer followed by statistical analysis. The two strongest Marlboro brands (Red and Red without additives) showed the highest PM concentrations of all tested cigarettes. The measured mean concentrations Cmean of PM10 increased up to 1458 µg/m³ for the Marlboro Red without additives (PM2.5: 1452 µg/m³, PM₁: 1263 µg/m³). The similarly strong Marlboro Red showed very similar PM values. The second strongest type Marlboro Gold showed 36% (PM10, PM2.5) and 32% (PM₁) lower values, respectively. The "lightest" type Marlboro Silver Blue showed 54% (PM10, PM2.5) or 50% (PM₁) lower PM values. The results indicate that the lower the tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide amounts, as well as the longer the cigarette filter, the lower are the PM levels. An influence of additives could not be determined.

Particulate matter emissions of four types of one cigarette brand with and without additives: a laser spectrometric particulate matter analysis of secondhand smoke

OBJECTIVE

Inhaled particulate matter (PM) in secondhand smoke (SHS) is deleterious for smokers and non-smokers. Different additives in cigarettes might effect the amount of PM. This study aimed to assess the influence of additives on the PM emissions from different cigarette types in SHS.

DESIGN

An experimental study of PM measuring in SHS of cigarettes without exposition of any person.

METHOD

The concentrations of PM (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) in SHS of four different types of cigarettes of the brand Lucky Strike, two types with additives (Original Red, Original Blue) and two types without additives (Straight Red, Straight Blue), in comparison to the reference cigarette 3R4F were analysed. An automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter generated SHS in an enclosed space with a volume of 2.88 m3. PM was measured with a laser aerosol spectrometer (Grimm model 1.109). Afterwards, the measuring values of the four Lucky Strike brands and the reference cigarette were statistically evaluated and visualised.

RESULTS

Lucky Strike Straight Blue, a cigarette type without additives and lower tar amount, showed 10% to 25% lower PM mean values compared with the other tested Lucky Strike products, but 21% (PM1) respectively 27% (PM2.5,PM10) higher mean values than the reference cigarette. The PM mean of all measured smoke-free baseline values (clean air) was 1.6 µg/m³. It increased up to about 1800 µg/m³ for the reference cigarette and up to about 3070 µg/m³ for the Lucky Strike Original Blue.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study show the massive increase of PM amount by smoking cigarettes in enclosed spaces and suggest that additives in tobacco products increase the PM amount in SHS. For validation, further comparative studies are necessary focusing on the comparison of the PM concentration of cigarettes with and without additives.

IMPLICATIONS

Due to the exposure to SHS, 890 000 people die each year worldwide. PM in SHS endangers the health of both non-smokers and smokers. This study considers the effect of additives like aromatics and humectant agents in cigarettes on PM in SHS. Do additives in tobacco products increase the amount of PM?