Transfer of Pb from Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves to Mainstream Smoke

The transfer rate of Pb from tobacco leaves in China to their single-material cigarette mainstream smoke，and the effect of puffing parameters on transfer of Pb were tested with ICP-MS. Results showed that the contents of Pb in tobacco leaves growing in Southern China were higher than that growing in Northern China. The Pb content in tobacco leaves was: lower leaves > middle leaves > upper leaves. The transfer rate of Pb was just opposite: upper leaves>middle leaves> lower leaves. The transfer amounts of Pb from tobacco leaves to mainstream smoke changed significantly among growing regions. Compared with standard puffing volume, the transfer rate of Pb decreased when puffing volume reduced 10 mL, but there was no significant change when puffing volume increased 10 mL. A short puffing interval could increase the transfer rate of Pb from tobacco leaves to mainstream smoke.