Characterisation of Nicotine and Cancer-Enhancing Anions in the Common Smokeless Tobacco Afzal in Oman
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2015, Vol 15, Issue 4
Abstract
Objectives: Afzal is a common smokeless tobacco product (STP) available illegally in Oman. Tis study aimed to assess pH and moisture levels and determine cancer-enhancing factors in a randomly selected sample of Afzal. Methods: Tis study was carried out at the Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat, Oman, between April and December 2013. A package of Afzal was purchased from a single provider and divided into samples. Te pH and moisture content of the samples were measured according to the protocols of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyse nicotine levels and ionexchange chromatography (IC) was used to determine concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, chloride, fluoride, bromide, sulphate and phosphate anions. Results: Te samples had an alkaline pH of 10.46 with high levels of total (48,770.00 µg per g of STP [µg/g]) and unionised (48,590.00 µg/g) nicotine. Te concentration of nitrate (8,792.20 µg/g) was alarmingly high. Te chloride concentration (33,170.80 µg/g) showed a surge on IC chromatography. Te moisture content percentage was 52.00%. Conclusion: Te moisture content percentage and chloride concentration of Afzal was consistent with those of other STPs. In contrast, nitrite, sulphate and phosphate concentrations were below reported levels of other STPs. All anion concentrations were below the maximum daily limit set by international health organisations. However, the high concentrations of nitrite, nitrate and nicotine and the elevated alkaline pH observed in the analysed Afzal samples suggest that STP users will face health risks as a result of their use.
Authors and Affiliations
Nawal M. Al-Mukhaini| Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, Taher A. Ba-Omar| Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, Elsadig A. Eltayeb| Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, Aisha H. Al-Shehi| Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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