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Carboxyhemoglobin levels in blood donors in Bahrain

I M Madany1

  • 1Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain.

Insights

Smoking significantly elevates carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in Bahraini blood donors. Outdoor workers also showed higher COHb, suggesting environmental carbon monoxide exposure impacts blood COHb concentrations.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Occupational Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is a biomarker of carbon monoxide exposure.
  • Understanding COHb levels in a population is crucial for assessing environmental and occupational health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors influencing carboxyhemoglobin levels in blood donors in Bahrain.
  • To determine the impact of smoking, occupation, and work environment on COHb concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 107 venous blood samples from Bahraini blood donors.
  • Categorization of donors based on sex, smoking habits, occupation, work environment (indoor/outdoor), and residential area.
  • Statistical comparison of mean COHb levels across different donor groups.

Main Results:

  • Mean COHb levels were significantly higher in smokers (4.8%) compared to nonsmokers (1.5%).
  • Outdoor workers, both smokers (4.98%) and nonsmokers (2.29%), exhibited higher COHb than indoor workers (3.07% and 1.04%, respectively).
  • Sex and residential area did not show a significant influence on COHb concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • Smoking is a primary determinant of elevated COHb levels in the Bahraini population.
  • Environmental carbon monoxide exposure, potentially from outdoor work environments, may contribute to higher COHb levels.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the link between environmental carbon monoxide and blood COHb in Bahrain.

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