Gas chromatographic analysis of nicotine in hair

Abstract An analytical method is presented for the determination of nicotine in hair by basic diethyl ether extraction followed by gas Chromatographic analysis with thermionic (NPD) detection. An increasing concentration gradient was found from the scalp and outwards in 48 subjects, indicating adsorption of nicotine from the outside. Hair washing with shampoo/soap with pH ranging from 5 to 10, only slightly decreased the concentration of nicotine. Nicotine in 0–2 and 2–4 cm hair segments represents nicotine exposure 1–3 months back in time. A statistically significant discrimination was achieved between subgroups exposed to different levels of ETS.