Abstract
Severe health complications result from tobacco smoking, hence an insight into metallic concentrations of cigarettes was needed. Five cigarette brands commercially sold in Pakistan were investigated for their heavy metal contents. The collected samples were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and GFAAS. The mean content of Cd in different brands of cigarettes was 0.3918 +/- 0.022 mg/kg, Pb (1.992 +/- 0.10 mg/kg), Al (649.28 +/- 4.15 mg/kg), Cr (11.34 +/- 1.033 mg/kg), Mn (54.48 +/- 2.604 mg/kg), Fe (43.86 +/- 1.49 mg/kg), Co (0.8042 +/- 0.088 mg/kg), Ni (6.522 +/- 0.204 mg/kg), Cu (19.218 +/- 1.224 mg/kg) Zn (65.692 +/- 2.28 mg/kg), As (13.074 +/- 1.526 mg/kg), Se (0.668 +/- 0.06 mg/kg) and Hg was 8.044 +/- 0.552 mg/kg (range 6.91-8.99 mg/kg). Positive but non-significant correlation among Mn, Al, Fe, Ni, Co, As, Cd and Se was observed while negative but non-significant correlation was observed between Al, Pb Cu and Zn. Based on the data generated by current study and data from already available literature, a comparison of the content of different metals in various cigarette brands is made to judge the influence of smoking and metal element exposure to health. Meanwhile, continuous monitoring and tobacco control is advised to ensure public health safety.