Determination of ethylene and other reactive hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke and evaluation of risk from their inhalation.

The levels of the reactive hydrocarbons ethylene, propene and 1-butene were determined in cigarette and bidi (Indian cigar) smoke. Cigarette and bidi smoke was collected under standard smoking conditions, using an automatic smoking machine. A gas chromatograph equipped with a selective chemiluminescent detector was used for measurements. The range of concentrations of ethylene, propene and 1-butene obtained for cigarette and bidi smoke are compared with values from the literature. An evaluation of the risk due to inhalation of the reactive hydrocarbons in cigarette smoke was made and compared with the risk of inhalation of these present as urban air pollutants.