Toxic Elements in Human Saliva of Smokeless Tobacco Users

The occurrence and mobility of different elements in oral smokeless tobacco products (STPs) were determined because the effects on human health must take into account their availability. In this research, the elemental analysis of 15 oral STPs of different brands purchased in local specialty stores in Europe, and the determination of % extraction of the different elements into an artificial salivary juice during the sucking or chewing operations were performed. In all samples analyzed, cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) (total) levels were <0.326 mg/kg. As far as non-essential or toxic elements, U was always <1.0 mg/kg, Th and Ti <0.1 mg/kg, Cd was <0.5. Pb was detectable in 60% of the samples, As in 33.3% and Ce in 20% of the samples; La was <1 mg/kg in 13 samples; Sb was <5 mg/kg in all sample with exception of sample 13; Al, Ni, Sr, Rb, Ba, Sn, Te, Ti and Hg were detectable in all samples. Using artificial saliva, the data of extractable levels show that the toxic elements, although poorly extracted, are not totally retained within the STPs, with a consequent potential health hazard associated with oral use of these products.