Determination of lead and arsenic in tobacco and cigarettes: an important issue of public health.

Contents of lead and arsenic were determined in 617 tobacco samples and 80 samples of cigarettes. The mean content of lead in tobacco was 0.93 microg/g (range 0.02-8.56 microg/g) and arsenic was 0.15 microg/g (range < 0.02-2.04 microg/g). The mean content of lead in cigarettes was 1.26 microg/g (range 0.02-6.72 microg/g) and arsenic was 0.11 microg/g (range < 0.02-0.71 micro/g). There was a large variability in lead and arsenic content among samples of tobacco and samples of cigarettes. Positive correlation between lead and arsenic contents in tobacco was found (r = 0.22; p < 0.0001). Based on our data and data from literature we compare the content of lead and arsenic in tobacco and cigarettes in other studies and discuss the influence of smoking to lead and arsenic exposure and health. In conclusion, at the same time with the implementation of tobacco use prevention programmes it is advisable to implement continuous monitoring of lead and arsenic in tobacco and cigarettes in order to reduce the health risk due to exposure of these metals.