Long-Term Exposure of Humans to Heavy Metals and its Effects on Haematological and Coagulation Profile

Samina Khan
Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi

Abstract:

Environmental pollution due to toxic effects of heavy metals are conducive not only to an impairment of different health indices but may also play a role in the onset of various diseases. Although a number of metals are essential to life but excess of some of these may prove lethally toxic. Chronic exposure and hyperaccumulation of heavy metals may present debilitating health effects in the long run and may augment the susceptibility to various diseases such as anemia, cardiovascular disorders, hormonal imbalances, infertility, immunotoxicity and kidney malfunctioning.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the toxic effects of heavy metals on the hematological and coagulation profile of diverse exposed populations such as workers engaged in potentially hazardous occupations like transport industry, oil refinery and residents of coastal area.

The three study groups comprised a total of 200 individuals in the age range of 20-60 years exposed to heavy metals. The blood samples collected from these subjects were compared with those of 50 age and sex matched control subjects living in relatively less exposed areas. The health contour of both exposed and control subjects were collected through information given in the questionnaires. The whole blood samples were analyzed for heavy metals such as iron, copper, zinc, and lead; complete blood picture and ESR. Plasma samples were analyzed to determine the coagulation profile.