Levels of Toxins in Tobacco Products Used in the UK

Objective: This study examined the constituents of smokeless

tobacco products available in the UK and compared them

with products available in India, Sweden, and the USA

Methods: Seven UK brands of smokeless tobacco, including

a tooth cleaning powder, and four international brands of

smokeless tobacco were tested for a range of toxins and

known carcinogens, such as tobacco specific N-nitrosamines

(TSNA), as well as nicotine availability.

Results: Ten of the 11 brands tested had detectable levels of

tobacco specific nitrosamines, which are proven carcinogens,

and levels varied 130-fold. All had detectable levels of

benzo(a)pyrene, another proven carcinogen (with around

175-fold variation) and several toxic metals (with nearly

150-fold variation). Nicotine availability varied in the UK

products from 0.1 mg/g to 63.2 mg/g. All the tobacco

products tested are likely to be hazardous to users’ health,

but the data indicate that it should be possible to reduce key

toxins to non-detectable levels.

Conclusions: Smokeless tobacco products should be regulated

and standards set for maximum levels of toxins and

carcinogens. Read more Levels Toxins in Tobacco