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
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP14607
- DOI -
- Views 407
- Downloads 13
Impact of Body Mass Index on Vascular Calcifcation and Pericardial Fat Volume Among Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Objectives: Tis study aimed to assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the relationship between pericardial fat volume (PFV), aortic root calcifcation (ARC) and coronary artery calcifcation (CAC) among patients...
Psychometric Examination of an Arabic Version of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory
Objectives: Tis study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the trait anger and anger expression scales of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI). Methods: Tis study took plac...
Cutaneous Metaplastic Synovial Cyst
Randomised Trial of Oral Misoprostol Versus Manual Vacuum Aspiration for the Treatment of Incomplete Abortion at a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of oral misoprostol with manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in first trimester incomplete abortions. Methods: This randomised controlled trial study was conducted at the U...
Patients’ Perceptions of Communication and Clinical Skills of Primary Healthcare Physicians in Oman
Objectives: As a large proportion of patients are seen in primary healthcare (PHC) centres, it is important to explore patients’ perceptions of communication and clinical skills of PHC physicians. In Oman, PHC is provide...