Determination of Toxic Metals in Tobacco from Selected Imported Cigarette Brands and Local Tobacco in Iraqi Markets

Metals are essential in many physiological processes in the human body, but can also be detrimental to our health when the concentration is not within recommended permissible limits. Various types of cigarettes were selected from the local markets in Iraq in addition to the Iraqi tobacco from Sulaymaniyah governorate to conduct tests of the elements in these species. The selected samples were tested using EDX instrument. Results proved the presence of dangerous elements such as Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Al, P, S, Pb, Cd, Sn and Sb in quantities which could greatly affect the health of the smoker and have negative effects to the environment. The real danger is the result of the accumulation of these elements in the smoker's body, in the lungs, liver, blood or brain, the effects of which are chronic and dangerous, and can threaten the life of the person in the future. An acid digestion method was used to break down the organic matter in tobacco to release these elements, and solutions to measure their concentrations were prepared using an atomic absorption device.