Neutron Activation Analysis in Tobacco and Cigarette Smoke Studies: 2R1 Cigarette Composition, Smoke Transference and Butt Filtration

Presented are the results from the use of neutron activation analyses to determine some of the inorganic components of the complete 2R1 reference cigarette, the tobacco filler, the cigarette paper, the dropped ash and the mainstream particulate smoke. Transference values are given for Na, K, Br, Cl, Co, Rb, Al, Sc and Mn. Neutron activation analyses were used to determine butt filtration of selected inorganics in the tobacco rod and in cellulose acetate filters. Butt filtration curves for each 5 mm section behind the cigarette coal were constructed from the data. Na, K, Br and Cl appeared to be removed by normal filtration mechanisms (direct impaction, interception, or diffusion) of entrained particles of inorganic residue coming from the cigarette coal. Vapour condensation of the inorganics studied was not considered a major filtration mechanism because a uniform filtration was observed at distances far enough behind the coal that the smoke would have been at room temperature with essentially all condensation completed. Calcium and magnesium were shown to be removed in such a manner as to indicate a removal mechanism dependent on very large particles enriched in these elements. A proposed mechanism is given to account for the lack of any detectable transference of these elements to mainstream smoke.