The CORESTA Tobacco and Tobacco Products Analytes Sub-Group, TTPA, conducted the first metals proficiency study in 2015 and a second proficiency study in 2017. The objective of the proficiency studies was to assess laboratory capabilities for the analysis of specific trace elements in tobacco and tobacco products. The analysis of the data from these studies led to the decision to conduct a collaborative study using only newer technology, specifically ICP-MS with collision cell/reaction cell capabilities.

The Sub-Group therefore carried out a metals collaborative study in the first quarter of 2018 for arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in tobacco and tobacco products. This study included four smokeless tobacco products (STPs), three cigarette fillers, and three cigar fillers. The purpose of this collaborative study was to develop a CORESTA Recommended Method (CRM 93). The method described was shown to be fit for the determination of select elements in a range of tobacco products.