Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines

Tobacco smoke contains literally thousands of chemicals, and over the years compounds related to tobacco use have been of great interest to the health community and analytical chemists supporting research in this area. In recent years increased focus has been placed on tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) as a major group of carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco and cigarette smoke, as well as smokeless tobacco and related products. With new technologies in place for reducing the use of tobacco products – such as e-cigarettes – researchers will be monitoring levels of TSNAs in the body to evaluate exposure levels of these harmful chemicals over time. TSNAs are naturally occurring plant-based alkaloids found in tobacco, and include Nicotine and several related compounds and their metabolites.

Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs)

TSNAs have been studied for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and several other toxic endpoints. They are common targets for analysis of human exposure to cigarette smoke and/or smokeless tobacco. While debates continue regarding the levels and effects of TSNAs in tobacco, it is generally agreed that decreasing levels of TSNAs in tobacco and related products would benefit human health.

To assist researchers with detection and quantitation of TSNAs, CIL now offers a comprehensive set of native and stable-isotope labeled TSNA standards.