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Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/BRCA-RA-25-37

Evaluation of Some Haematological Parameters and Some Heavy Metals Among Smokers and Individuals Exposed to Generator Fumes in Abia State

Mbah Promise Ukamaka , Okoroiwu L. I , Aloy-Amadi Oluchi C , Nnodim Johnkennedy *

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Nnodim Johnkennedy, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria

Citation: Mbah Promise Ukamaka, Okoroiwu L. I, Aloy-Amadi Oluchi C, Nnodim Johnkennedy (2025). Evaluation of Some Haematological Parameters and Some Heavy Metals Among Smokers and Individuals Exposed to Generator Fumes in Abia State, J Biomedical Research and Clinical Advancements; 2(6) 37, DOI: BRCA-RA-25-37

Copyright: Nnodim Johnkennedy, et al © (2025). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 26 November 2025 | Accepted: 02 December 2025 | Published: 17 December 2025

Keywords: haematological parameters; heavy metals; smokers generator fumes; Abia state

Abstract

Cigarette smoking and exposure to toxic generator fumes deliver a number of heavy metals to the blood. Bioaccumulation of these toxic metals result in an increase in pathological consequences over time. The aim of this study is to assess some haematological parameters and some heavy metals among smokers and individuals exposed to generator fumes in Abia State. The study was a cross-sectional and analytical study of 210 participants including 70 smokers, 70 subjects exposed to toxic generator fumes, 35 non-smokers and 35 non exposed control subjects. A multistage sampling was used to select participants. Blood lead, cadmium levels and haematological parameters were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer at 238.3nm wavelength and Mindray Auto Haematology Analyzer respectively. Obtained data was subjected to Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) and analyzed using One-way ANOVA. The study revealed that the mean age of smokers and non-smokers were 34.20±0.83 and 35.11±1.25 years respectively, while the mean ages of subjects exposed and non exposed to generator fumes were 34.50±0.80 and 35.11±1.25 years. The study showed the significant mean difference of haematological parameters of smokers versus non-smokers as follows: Lymphocytes % (43.21±13.93b versus 30.95±14.91a), HCT (PCV)% (40.85±5.55b versus 37.82±4.18a), Hb g/dL (13.52±1.89b versus12.28±1.37a) and MCH pg (28.02±2.11b versus 26.79±2.77a), were significantly high (p<0.05). WBC x109/L (5.62±1.70a versus 8.43±6.47b), and Neutrophil % (48.32±15.16b versus 60.79±15.92a) were significantly low in smokers as compared to non-smokers (p<0.05). The changes in haematological parameters of generator fume exposure versus non exposed subjects: Lymphocytes% (41.58±13.18b   versus 30.95±14.91a), MCV fl (85.07±4.80b versus 37.82±4.18a), were statistically significant; WBC x109 (5.57±2.48a versus 8.43±6.47b), and Neutrophil % (49.58±14.22b versus 60.79±15.92a), were significantly low in subjects exposed to generator fumes as compared to non exposed subjects (p<0.05). The study also revealed the significant mean difference of blood Lead (µg/dL) level among the controls, smokers and generator fume exposure as follows: Smokers versus Controls (7.66±3.71b versus 5.98±2.81a) was significantly high in smokers as compared to controls, and generator fume exposure versus controls (3.00±0.89c versus 5.98±2.81a) was significantly low in generator fume exposure compared to controls. The presence of Cadmium (µg/dL) among the smokers, individual exposed to generator fumes and controls were not statistically significant. There was a significant positive and negative correlation of haematological parameters among smokers and individuals exposed to generator fumes. The findings showed that continuous cigarette smoking and exposure to generator fumes have severe adverse effects on haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, haematocrit, WBC count, and platelet count, lymphocytes as well as significant increase in blood lead level among the groups, and these alterations could be associated with a greater risk for developing hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or cardiovascular diseases in future. 

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