Tobacco Biomarkers Detected in Smokers' Breath

A device analyzes individuals' breath samples to determine whether they had smoked during the previous three days.

Scientists designed an apparatus to analyze 0.8-L breath samples, whereas commercial analyzers require 2 L. The device utilized an adsorption microtrap, which could release fluid in less than one second during the phase of desorption and did not require a second cryogenic trap.

A chemical compound in the breath of smokers indicated that they had smoked within the last three days. The chemical is not present in nonsmokers' breath unless they have been in contact with tobacco smoke for extended periods of time. Biomarkers of exposure are chemicals found in the body providing evidence of environmental exposure to that chemical or to a precursor chemical.

Breath samples from 100 smokers and 104 nonsmokers were analyzed by scientists at the University of Girona, (UdG; Gerona, Spain). The study participants, 147 females and 57 males, aged between 16 to 53 years, were also questioned about their lifestyle. The levels of benzene, 2,5-dimethylfuran, toluene, o-xylene, and m-p-xylene were measured using a new micro-trap system coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Benzene was only an effective biomarker for medium and heavy smokers, and its level was affected by smoking habits. The volatile organic compound 2,5-dimethylfurane was the only chemical found in smokers' breath 72 hours after they had inhaled tobacco smoke independent of smoking habits, such as short or long term exposure, light or heavy consumption. The scientists were able to detect 2,5-dimethylfuran in 12 breath samples of nonsmokers, who when questioned more thoroughly, were in fact social or weekend smokers.

Juan Manuel Sánchez Ph.D., of the chemistry department, UdG, stated that the method would be particularly useful to assess tobacco-related exposure in patients who do not admit to smoking or minimize their intake to their physicians. Smoking is well known risk factor for several pathological conditions including vascular and lung diseases.

The study was published online in February 2010 in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. The investigation is continuing and the technique is undergoing further development and improvement.

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