FTIR analysis of gaseous compounds in the mainstream smoke of regular and light cigarettes.

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been applied to the study of mainstream cigarette smoke from cigarettes of different stated strengths (regular and various light cigarettes with different reported nicotine, tar and CO contents). This technique has allowed for the measurement of a variety of gaseous components including hydrocarbons and both nitrogen and carbon oxides. The results demonstrate that the strength of the cigarette does not have a significant bearing on the quantity of the observed components produced. Additionally, open-path FTIR studies of diluted sidestream and exhaled smoke have been conducted. These measurements revealed that the majority of gaseous pollutants originated from the sidestream smoke, while the primary smoke was 'purified' or diluted upon exhalation by the smoker.