Determination of trace elements in cigarette ash using neutron activation analysis.

Cigarette ash samples from five countries (Albania, India, Egypt, Malaysia, and Vietnam) were analyzed to evaluate the presence and concentration of both essential and toxic elements. Samples were irradiated in the thermal neutron field of the BR-1 research reactor at SCK CEN and subsequently measured using γ-ray spectrometry. Qualitative analysis identified up to 18 elements, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and rare earth elements, as well as potentially toxic elements such as arsenic, bromine, antimony, and barium. Quantitative results showed significant variability among samples, reflecting differences in tobacco origin and processing. Daily intake of selected toxic elements was estimated for a reference smoker consuming 20 cigarettes per day. Although calculated values did not exceed recommended limits, arsenic remains hazardous even at low doses. The results highlight the role of cigarette ash as a reservoir of trace elements and confirm the influence of environmental and technological factors on their concentrations.