Quantitative Evaluation of Heavy Metal Toxicity and Elemental Composition in Well-Known Cigarette Brands in the Iraqi Market Using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the elemental distribution of many well-known cigarette brands that are extensively used in the Iraqi market, with an emphasis on hazardous heavy metals and significant minerals. The concentrations of both major and trace elements were ascertained using a non-destructive analytical technique called Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopy. The elemental concentrations varied significantly, from trace levels in the parts-per-million (ppm) order to weight percentages (%) for key elements, according to the analytical data. Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), and Selenium (Se), along with other elements like chlorine (Cl) and manganese (Mn), were found to be highly poisonous elements of serious health concern. On the other hand, the samples showed a very high potassium (K) concentration along with varying amounts of Calcium (Ca), Sulfur (S), Magnesium (Mg), and Sodium (Na). According to these results, tobacco leaves are a reflection of the soil conditions in the environment as well as the widespread use of phosphate-based fertilizers and agrochemicals, which puts customers' health at serious risk from long-term inhalation of volatilized metallic particulate matter.