Assessment of toxic elements contamination in cigarettes sold in algeria and associated health risks

Abstract

Introduction

Tobacco consumption remains a critical public health concern globally, with Algeria among the highest tobacco-consuming countries in Africa. Cigarettes contain toxic elements like lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and nickel, contributing to severe health risks, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to (i) determine their concentrations in Algerian cigarettes and (ii) evaluate associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in smokers.

Materials and Method

A total of 200 samples from 25 brands were randomly collected from various retail outlets, then analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). To assess their health risks, Average Daily Dose (ADD), the Hazard Quotient; (HQ), the Hazard Index (HI), and the lifetime average daily dose (LADDi) were calculated and compared with international Studies.

Results and Discussion

Analysed tobacco brands sold in Algeria have found to be contaminated by Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Ni. The highest levels of Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Ni were 19.02 ± 0.26, 0.72 ± 0.02, 0.450 ± 0.05, 8.96 ± 0.18, and 4.93 ± 0.06 μg.g⁻¹ respectively. The limits of quantification (LOQ) were determined as follows: 0.0011 μg/g for Pb, 0.0018 μg/g for Cd, 0.0017 μg/g for Hg, 0.0013 μg/g for Cr, and 0.0014 μg/g for Ni. Recovery rates exceeded 80 % for all elements, ensuring the reliability of the analytical method. The Brand n°06 had the highest content in Pb, Hg, and Cr. This metallic contamination can be due to soil pollution as tobacco plants are highly capable of absorbing toxic elements, but also the manufacturing process and the use of flavours.The non-carcinogenic risk with HI > 1 was found in 96 % of the brands, primarily from lead and cadmium while 44 % had acceptable carcinogenic risks, mainly related to chromium.

Conclusion

This study highlights the presence of toxic elements in cigarettes sold in Algeria at levels that could pose significant health risks. Given the scarcity of data on this issue in the region, our findings emphasize the need for stricter regulations and further studies to better assess and mitigate the exposure of Algerian smokers to these toxic elements.