Determination of cadmium and lead in different cigarette brands in Jordan

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations in different cigarette brands sold and/or produced in Jordan were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Average levels of Cd and Pb in different cigarette brands in Jordan were 2.64 and 2.67 microg g(-1) (DW), respectively. The results obtained in this study estimate the average quantity of Cd inhaled from smoking one packet of 20 cigarettes to be in the range of 3.65-7.30 microg. Results suggest that the quantity of Pb inhaled of smoking one packet of 20 cigarettes, is estimated to be 0.74-2.22 microg. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in cigarettes were significantly different between cigarette brands tested. Our results were compared with other worldwide studies.