A Chromatographic Analysis for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Small Quantities of Cigarette Smoke Condensate

A four-step method has been described for the quantitative analysis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in smoke condensate from 90 or more cigarettes. It involves the extraction of condensate solution with water, silicic acid and gel filtration chromatography, then separation and quantitation by gas chromatography. Individual PAH or totaI PAH profiles of condensates from different cigarettes can now be compared. The method was applied to reference, commercial nonfilter, and commercial filter cigarettes. The details and advantages of the method are elaborated.