Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profiles of pyrolysed tobacco products commonly used in India

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) profile of bidi (an indigenous substitute for cigarettes in India), masheri (a charred tobacco product used for cleaning teeth) and Indian snuff was determined. The effect of the extracts of these tobacco products on the liver microsomal mixed function oxygenase system was studied. Cytochrome P-450 and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) hydroxylase levels were significantly increased.