Overview
ISO 20774:2013 - Cigarettes: Determination of carbon monoxide in sidestream smoke specifies a reproducible laboratory method to measure carbon monoxide (CO) in sidestream smoke from cigarettes. The method uses a routine analytical linear smoking machine equipped with a fishtail chimney and is defined using the ISO 3308 smoking parameters (puff volume, duration and frequency) and butt length, while remaining technically compatible with other smoking regimes. The standard clarifies sampling, conditioning, smoking procedures, CO collection (off‑line bag and on‑line continuous systems) and calculation/reporting requirements.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope and definitions: clear distinction between sidestream smoke (smoke emitted from the lit end) and mainstream smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
- Required apparatus: routine analytical linear smoking machine, fishtail chimney assembly, Cambridge filter pads or equivalent sidestream traps, and CO analyzers or calibrated gas mixtures.
- Smoking parameters: method specified using ISO 3308 standard smoking conditions but compatible with alternative regimes if documented.
- Sampling and preparation: guidance on selection of test portions, conditioning of cigarettes (atmosphere control per ISO 3402), butt marking and preparation.
- CO measurement procedures: both off‑line (bag collection) and on‑line (continuous flow/data acquisition) calculation methods are included.
- Calibration and reagents: use of standard gas mixtures and calibration procedures (including an alternative CO calibration annex).
- Quality control: inclusion of monitor test pieces (e.g., CORESTA monitor) recommended to assess repeatability and reproducibility; statistical treatment of results and reporting formats.
- Safety: note that hazardous materials and operations are involved and users must establish appropriate safety practices.
Practical applications
- Comparative ranking of cigarette products based on sidestream CO yields.
- Regulatory and compliance testing where sidestream CO data are required.
- Product development and formulation changes to assess changes in sidestream emissions.
- Quality control in manufacturing and third‑party tobacco testing laboratories.
- Public health and exposure research investigating non‑user exposure to CO from tobacco products.
Who should use this standard
- Tobacco testing laboratories and quality control teams
- Regulatory agencies and conformity assessment bodies
- Product development and R&D groups in tobacco industry
- Academic and public‑health researchers studying secondhand exposure
Related standards
- ISO 3308 - Routine analytical cigarette‑smoking machine (definitions and conditions)
- ISO 3402 - Conditioning atmosphere for tobacco testing
- ISO 4387 - TPM determination using smoking machines
- ISO 8454 - CO determination in vapour phase (NDIR method)
- Other referenced standards: ISO 2971, ISO 6488, ISO 6565
- CORESTA task force work is noted in the introduction as part of validation efforts.
Keywords: ISO 20774:2013, sidestream smoke, carbon monoxide, fishtail chimney, routine analytical linear smoking machine, ISO 3308, cigarette testing, tobacco laboratory methods.