SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

Smoke Testing - Mainstream - Metals

Understand the key constituents of cigarette smoke created once the tobacco is ignited. Mainstream smoke leaves the mouth end of the cigarette after it passes through the tobacco column and filter, and is inhaled by the smoker.

This range of tests provides data for the following constituents of mainstream smoke. Click on each substance tested for further information and interesting facts.

Phenolic compounds

Volatile organic compounds

Filter nicotine retention

Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines

Metals

This set of tests includes the analysis of seven metals:

Arsenic
A metal whose oxides are readily soluble in water. In very small doses, arsenic compounds act as a stimulant and were popular as a medicinal in the eighteenth century.
Cadmium
Used largely in batteries and for pigments for plastic products.
Chromium
A lustrous hard metal used in stainless steel.
Lead
A soft malleable metal that has a blueish white colour when freshly cut, but quickly tarnishes. Historically, this metal was extensively used for water pipes.
Mercury
A liquid metal at room temperature. In the past it was used as a bearing, for example, some lighthouses’ turning mechanism used to rotate on a bed of mercury.
Nickel
A corrosion resistant metal used in stainless steel.
Selenium
Toxic in large quantities, but trace levels are essential for cellular functions in animals.

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