New Method for HCN Measurement

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter  05/18/2012

May 17, 2012-Filtrona Scientific Services' latest research has identified a new method for measuring hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in cigarette smoke using ion chromatography and pulsed amperometric detection. In carrying out the study, Dr. Mike Taylor, director of scientific development, found that the new method provides yield values comparable with current measurement methods, while not requiring the use of toxic reagents. The toxicity of HCN has long been recognised and HCN is included in the majority of lists of harmful smoke compounds internationally; so the analysis and measurement of HCN in cigarette smoke has been carried out for many years in order to allow cigarette manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements. A range of techniques have been used in the past, with continuous flow analysis with colourimetric detection being the most common method. Although well-established, continuous flow analysis has some disadvantages, including the need to use toxic and extremely odorous reagents during the measurement process. In his research, Taylor found that the new method required only simple and non-toxic aqueous reagents in the measurement process. The paper, details the new method, provides a discussion of the detector waveforms needed for cyanide analysis and explains the validation parameters used in the research. Two methods of trapping HCN in whole smoke – using impingers and simple granular traps – are also discussed, and comparative yields of HCN using the ion chromatographic method and continuous flow analysis are provided. "This work has demonstrated that a method using ion chromatography and amperometric detection does represent an effective alternative for measuring hydrogen cyanide in cigarette smoke," said Taylor. "The new technique combines high selectivity and ease of use compared with continuous flow analysis, and comes with the benefit of not requiring the use of potentially toxic organic reagents."Enditem