Determination of nicotine and N-nitrosamines in house dust by pressurized liquid extraction and comprehensive gas chromatography—Nitrogen chemiluminiscence detection

A novel, highly selective method for the determination of nicotine, N-nitrosamines and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in indoor dust samples is presented in this study. Samples were extracted by in-cell clean-up pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) that allows high extraction efficiency with moderate consumption of organic solvents. The extracts were analyzed by comprehensive gas chromatography and detected with a nitrogen chemiluminiscence detector (GC × GC-NCD) that provided enhanced selectivity and sensitivity for organic nitrogen containing compounds. Method validation showed good linearity, repeatability and reproducibility (%RSD < 8%). Recovery was higher than 80% for most target compounds and limits of detection lower than 16 ng g−1. The method was used for the determination of the nitrosamine target compounds in house dust samples from both smoking and non-smoking households. All the analytes were found in the samples, nicotine being the most abundant compound in smokers’ dust and one of the most abundant in non-smokers’ dust. To our knowledge this is the first time that volatile N-nitrosamines and TSNAs have been determined in indoor dust samples. The results demonstrate the presence of these highly carcinogenic compounds in house dust, with inherent human exposure through inhalation and/or involuntary ingestion of house dust.

► Efficient method for determining nicotine and N-nitrosamines in house dust.
► We obtained limits of detection and quantification at low ng g−1 levels.
► These compounds are for the first time determined in house dust.
► The target compounds were found in smoking and non-smoking dust.