No Pyrosynthesis of N′-Nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-Pyridyl)-1-Butanone (NNK) from Nicotine

Summary

Nicotine, a tertiary amine, cannot easily be nitrosated. A synthesis of NNN and NNK from nicotine during the smoking procedure (pyrosynthesis) does not occur for standard cigarette types. The NNN and NNK burden of smokers is determined by the amount of the preformed nitrosamines NNN and NNK in tobacco and their transfer into the mainstream smoke. Thus the TSNA intake of smokers can be reduced by manufacturing cigarettes with low levels of preformed TSNA, i.e. only tobaccos with low nitrate levels should be used and the portion of the nitrate rich stems and Burley tobaccos in blends should be reduced.