Until April 16, 2021, the journal Elsevier offers free access to the article "Direct imaging evidence of metal inorganic contaminants traced into cigarettes". In the paper, a team of researchers from Sapienza University, coordinated by Giuseppe Familiari from the Department of Anatomical Histological Medical-Legal Sciences and Locomotor Apparatus, analysed harmful substances in traditional cigarettes and the new heat-not-burn cigarettes, thus assessing their environmental impact.

The chemical-morphological study, carried out using micro-imaging techniques, revealed large aggregates of metallic and inorganic microparticles in both types of cigarette.

In particular, the researchers observed how the porous architecture of the cellulose acetate fibres making up the filter not only allows toxic microparticles to pass through it but also encourages them to accumulate inside, turning the filters into a sponge capable of absorbing potentially toxic chemicals when dispersed in the environment.

The study also provides important experimental data on the persistent flow of smoke as a carrier capable of transporting and accumulating large amounts of toxic and carcinogenic particles. 

The study results can be applied to the engineering of materials that reduce the spread of chemicals that are toxic to both the environment and human health.