Overview
ISO 13110:2025 - "Cigarettes - Determination of menthol in total particulate matter from mainstream cigarette smoke … - Gas chromatographic method" - specifies a validated laboratory procedure for measuring menthol in the total particulate matter (TPM) of mainstream cigarette smoke using a gas chromatographic (GC) technique. The method uses a standard machine smoking regime according to ISO 3308 and TPM collection largely in accordance with ISO 4387. Results are reported as mass of menthol per cigarette.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Gas chromatographic determination of menthol in mentholated cigarette mainstream smoke (TPM). Encapsulated menthol products may require different handling (not covered).
- Sample collection: Smoking and TPM collection follow ISO 3308 and ISO 4387 with specific exceptions noted in Annex A; sampling guidance references ISO 8243.
- Extraction and preparation:
- TPM is dissolved in an extraction solvent containing an internal standard (e.g., n‑heptadecane).
- Typical extraction volumes: 20 ml for 44 mm filter pads and 50 ml for 92 mm pads.
- Analytical method:
- Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC‑FID) and use of an autosampler.
- Example column: DB‑WAX, 0.53 mm ID, 1 µm film, ~30 m (or equivalent).
- Example injection: 1 µl split, with operating and oven temperature programs provided as guidance in the standard.
- Calibration and quantification:
- Use of menthol reference substance (>99% purity) and at least four calibration solutions covering expected concentration range.
- Internal standard normalization and linear regression calibration.
- Quality and performance:
- Includes repeatability and reproducibility data from collaborative studies (ISO/TC 126 2010, CORESTA 2019/2020).
- Test reporting requirements and safety warnings.
Applications and users
- Who uses it:
- Tobacco industry analytical and R&D laboratories
- Contract testing and regulatory laboratories
- Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) teams
- Research groups studying cigarette emissions and formulation
- Practical applications:
- Product characterization and formulation control of mentholated cigarettes
- Regulatory compliance and standardized reporting of menthol emissions
- Inter‑laboratory comparison, method validation and routine monitoring
- Supporting toxicology and exposure-related product assessments (machine measurements; not direct human exposure)
Related standards
- ISO 3308 - Routine machine smoking regimen (standard smoking regime)
- ISO 4387 - TPM collection and determination (with specified exceptions)
- ISO 8243 - Cigarette sampling
Keywords: ISO 13110:2025, menthol determination, gas chromatographic method, total particulate matter (TPM), mainstream cigarette smoke, ISO 3308, ISO 4387, GC‑FID, DB‑WAX, tobacco testing, calibration, internal standard.
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