Metal distribution in some brands of cigarette ash in Nigeria.
The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn in cigarette ash after acid digestion were determined by graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations (mgkg(-1)) of the metals in cigarette range from 0.013-2.64 for Cd; 0.013-0.013 for Co, 5.45-28.10 for Cu, 0.013-0.013 for Cr; 0.013-7.88 for Pb; 0.013-2.63 for Ni and 6.10-32.34 for Zn. There is significant variation in the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn in the different brands. The results of this study revealed that ash of different brands of cigarette sold in Nigeria market contained elevated levels of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu and Zn. Cigarette ash represents a potential source of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu and Zn to the environment. Inhalation of cigarette ash containing elevated levels of metals constitutes serious health hazards.
Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria. jindumax@yahoo.com
Chukwujindu M A
CM
Iwegbue
Godwin E
GE
Nwajei
Osa
O
Eguavoen
D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D009549:Nigeria; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D052638:Particulate Matter; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution