Retention of Cigarette Smoke Components in Human Lungs

The pulmonary retention of certain volatile compounds and particulate matter in cigarette smoke was studied in humans. A smoke-dosage apparatus delivered a standard puff which was inhaled and subsequently exhaled into cold traps. Acetaldehyde, isoprene, acetone, acetonitrile, toluene, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide were measured and compared with the amounts found in noninhaled smoke. A 86% to 99% retention was found for all compounds except carbon monoxide of which 54% was retained. These findings stress the importance of using methods which approximate actual smoking conditions when evaluating the biological effect of tobacco smoke.