assessment of the Exposure to Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines and Minor Tobacco alkaloids in Users of Various Tobacco/Nicotine Products.

Introduction:
This article presents the results of a clinical study investigating the exposure to tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNas) and minor tobacco alkaloids in users of various tobacco and nicotine products. The study compares the levels of these harmful compounds in habitual users of combustible cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, oral tobacco, and nicotine replacement therapy products. Non-users of any tobacco or nicotine products served as the control group.

Key Points:

* The study was conducted over 74 hours, during which participants used their own tobacco or nicotine products.
* Blood and urine samples were collected throughout the study and analyzed for TSNas and minor tobacco alkaloids.
* Smokers exhibited the highest levels of all biomarkers measured, while users of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine replacement therapy products had significantly lower levels.
* The levels of TSNas and minor tobacco alkaloids in oral tobacco users were not significantly different from non-users.
* The study also found evidence for the formation of NNN (a type of TSNa) from the precursor nornicotine in the presence of thiocyanate as a catalyst.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that the use of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine replacement therapy products results in significantly lower exposure to harmful TSNas and minor tobacco alkaloids compared to combustible cigarettes. however, the levels in oral tobacco users were not significantly different from non-users. The study also provides preliminary evidence for the formation of NNN from nornicotine in the presence of thiocyanate, which requires further investigation. Overall, the study supports the use of alternative tobacco and nicotine products as a harm reduction strategy.

Scherer G, Scherer M, Mütze J, hauke T, Pluym N. assessment of the Exposure to Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines and Minor Tobacco alkaloids in Users of Various Tobacco/Nicotine Products. Chemical research in toxicology. 2022;35(4):684-693. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00020