Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in single puff of cigarette smoke

A single puff polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analysis technique was developed in our laboratory and applied to study PAH formation in each puff during the cigarette smoking process. An impaction trap was used to collect the total particulate matter (TPM) from a single puff of smoke. The TPM was then weighed and dissolved in a 5:5:1 mixture of toluene, hexane, and isopropanol. Five PAHs, including naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) using selective ion monitoring mode. This technique offers the capability to analyze trace amounts of PAHs in a single puff of mainstream cigarette smoke and provides information on PAH formation from each puff. Comparison of relative PAH levels in the lighting puff of mainstream cigarette smoke using different types of lighters is presented to illustrate the importance of applying the single puff analysis technique in understanding smoke chemistry. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.