The occurrence of N-nitroso compounds in kiwam tobacco

The concentrations of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), volatile and non-volatile N-nitroso compounds in kiwam, a fermented Indian tobacco product are presented. Total identified N-nitroso compound concentrations in kiwam ranged from 6.19 to 25.4 mg/kg fresh weight tobacco, the concentration range of TSNA was 5.43-22.2 mg/kg tobacco which accounted for 67-87% of the total identified N-nitroso compound burden. The high concentrations of TSNA found in kiwam tobacco may present a considerable exposure source to carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds for people using this type of tobacco.