Abstract:
This research aims at studying on cadmium of the 12 brands of Thai cigarettes which is not only determined their distribution as the cigarettes were smoked but also evaluated the time - - occurrence of lung emphysema on smokers' lungs. Analysis of cadmium was done by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, the results were expressed as X + S.D. These results showed appreciable amount of cadmium of whole cigarette which ranged from 1.54 to 2.18 ug/cig. It was found that 0.42 to 0.98 ng Cd/cig. were in butt, 0.49 to 0.75 ug Ca/cig. in ash, 0.03 to 0.05 ug Cd/cig, in filter and 0.14 to 0.19 ug Cd/cig, in mainstream smoke. Approximately 0.18 to 0.47 ug Cd/cig, were lost in side stream smoke. The evaluation of the time - occurrence of lung emphysema on smokers' lungs was based on the amount of cadmium retained in smokers' lungs 'and the degree of toxic impact. The study was conducted .by determining the relationship between time (year) and cadmium deposition in smokers' lungs to obtain critical concentration of cadmium which could produce lung emphysema. The smoking behavior was assumed not to be deep inhalation. The biologic, genetic and socioeconomic factors as well as the ways of life and habits of the smokers were excluded. The results of this study showed that smoking of the 12 brands, should produce lung emphysema after 25 to 34 years of smoking a pack per day. Although these results could suggest the estimating time for conveying the time - occurrence of lung emphysema, it should learn more extensive about the human biological effects of excessive cadmium exposure via cigarette smoke through research especially on their combined effects with other substances or environmental pollutants as well as should manage them to minimize its adverse effects. The impact of cadmium content of butts and ashes on the environment is also needed to be attention.
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