A flameless atomic absorption method has been developed which permits the quick determination of the levels of trace metals in cigarette smoke. The total particulate matter (TPM) was collected by electrostatic precipitation and dissolved in methanol before analysis. In order to trap the last remaining traces of metals, the gas phase was passed through microporous filters which were analysed direct. The sensitivity of this method for the metals studied (Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni) is good in both the particulate and gas phase samples, with the sole exception of Ni in the gas phase. Results obtained by the flame and flameless methods are compared.