The concentrations of methaemoglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin and some haematological parameters in tobacco snuff addicts in Igbo of Nigeria

Methaemoglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations and some haematological parameters were studied in fifty tobacco snuff addicts (40 males and 10 females) in some villages of Anambra State, Nigeria. The aim was to investigate possible adverse effects of tobacco snuff in addicts in Igbos of Anambra State. Fifty apparently healthy persons (25 males and 25 females) who do not inhale snuff were used as controls. The age range of tests and control subjects was 25-65 years. The results showed no statistically significant difference when the tests group was compared with the control group. A comparison of the results on the basis of sex, age and period of exposure, showed no significant differences. Blood picture in test and control groups was normocytic and normochromic. The resultssuggest that tobacco snuff may not have any adverse effect on haemoglobin metabolism and erythropoiesis

Blood Concentrations of Methaemoglobin, Carboxyhaemoglobin and some Haematological parameters in Petrol Station Attendants in Enugu Metropolis

Concentration of methaemoglobin and carboxyhaemoglobin in blood and some haematological parameters wee studied in fifty petroleum attendants in Enugu metropolis. The age range of the subjects (30 males and 20 females) and controls (12 males and 10 females) was 23-60 years. The purpose of the study was to determine if exposure to petrol fumes has any adverse effect on haemoglobin metabolism and haematological parameter. Methaemoglobin and carboxy-haemoglobin were determined by the method of Dacie and Lewis (1994) while the method of Bain (1994) was adopted for haemoglobin parameters. The mean results showed no significant difference in methaemoglobin, haemoglobin, packed cell volume and reticulocyte count (P>0.05) while a significant difference (P>0.05) was recorded in carboxyhaemoglobin of test and control subjects. The results suggest that exposure to petrol fumes may increase blood concentration of carboxyhaemoglobin but may affect methaemoglobin and haematological parameters. Key words: Methaemoglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin, haematological parameters [Mary Slessor Jnl of Medicine Vol.3(1) 2003: 65-68