Chemical fingerprinting of tobacco and related products by TD–GC–TOF MS

Introduction

The hazardous constituents of cigarette smoke have attracted considerable media attention, especially with increasing regulation around the world limiting or banning smoking in public places – and even in private cars if children are present.

Furthermore, the recent surge in tobacco-replacement devices, such as e-cigarettes, is driving the development of fast and efficient quality control procedures. E-cigarette solutions may contain potentially harmful chemicals, including nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The presence of such chemicals naturally gives rise to some concern, and confident chemical fingerprinting is required for both research & development and regulatory purposes.