Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a collaborative study conducted by the CORESTa Tobacco and Tobacco Products analytes Sub-Group (TTPa) on the determination of ammonia and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in smokeless tobacco, cigarette filler, and ground cigars. The study was initiated with the objective of supporting laboratory accreditation and expanding the scopes of CORESTa Recommended Methods (CRMs) N° 79 and N° 82 to include ground cigars.
Key Points:
* The study involved 17 laboratories and was conducted using the CRMs N° 79 and N° 82.
* The laboratories were requested to store the samples at approximately 4°C upon receipt and in a freezer at approximately −20°C if not analyzed within one week.
* The samples included CRP1.1-4, 1R6F Ground Filler, Cigar Filler #1-05/17, and Cigar M16-05/17.
* The laboratories were instructed to conduct three replicate analyses for ammonia and B[a]P using the current versions of the CRMs.
* The protocol deviations for ammonia analysis of Labs 1 and 2 and for B[a]P analysis of Lab 1 were considered significant and their data were excluded from the r&R portion of the study.
* The final repeatability and reproducibility (r&R) results showed that the methods are fit for purpose for the analysis of cigar filler.
* The TTPa recommends the scope of the CRMs to be updated to include the additional matrices and for the applicable r&R data for these new matrices to be added to the CRMs.
Main Message:
The study demonstrates that the CRMs for ammonia and B[a]P are suitable for the analysis of ground cigars. The TTPa recommends updating the CRMs to include ground cigars, which will support laboratory accreditation and expand the scopes of the CRMs. This is important for ensuring accurate and reliable testing of tobacco products and promoting public health.
Citation
https://www.coresta.org/sites/default/files/technical_documents/main/TTPa-170-1-CTR_2018-CollStudy-Metals_July2020.pdf
