| abstract |
A method for reducing the content of nitrosamines (e.g., N'-Nitrosonornicotine, 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, N'-Nitrosoanatabine, and N'-Nitrosoanabasine) in tobacco is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes combining tobacco with a solvent (e.g., water and/or other compounds) to form a soluble portion. The soluble portion contains an initial total level of tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of the soluble portion. The soluble portion is contacted with a nitrosamine-reducing material such that the resulting weight percentage of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of said soluble portion is at least about 20% less than the initial total level of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of the soluble portion. |