ASSESSMENT OF MAINSTREAM SMOKE CONSTITUENTS OF BIDI

Abstract

In India, smoking accounts for majority of total tobacco consumption (72%), and among the total smoking habits, 73 % is in the form of bidi. Hence, in the present study mainstream smoke constituents were analysed in bidis prepared from different bidi tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) lines. Tar (NFDPM), nicotine and carbon monoxide (CO) were determined by using 20 port Linear Smoking Machine, SM 450 of CERULEAN. GC-TCD/FID (HP 5890 Series II). The mean values and ranges of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide content in smoke of bidi samples were 70.66 (40.60-92.05) mg g-1, 5.36 (1.98-7.20) mg g-1 and 43.01 mg g-1, (25.78 – 61.06) respectively. While nicotine in leaf varied from 19.00 mg g-1 to 55.00 mg g-1 and the mean value was 34.80 mg g-1. It was found that tar and carbon monoxide in bidi smoke had a linear positive and significant relationship (R2 value: 0.941). Increased tar contents in bidi samples with increased CO levels was observed. The study indicated that low tar and low CO emitting bidis prepared from bidi tobacco with low tar levels would help in reducing the risk of direct & indirect health concerns, and also the environmental issues.