RT Journal Article ID 7da1742459816497 A1 Hashim, Achummantakath A1 Fathima , Haneena A1 Muhammed , Rashid C. S. A1 Neevan , D. R. Dsouzac T1 Analysis of Lead, Cadmium, and Nickel in Blood Donors in Relation to Smoking—A Comparative Study JF Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology JO JEP(T) YR 2019 FD 2019-05-09 VO 38 IS 2 SP 165 OP 172 K1 blood donor K1 smoker K1 lead K1 nickel K1 cadmium K1 atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) AB Donor blood is usually screened for some risk factors, such as hepatitis, HIV, and malarial parasites, but it is not routinely screened for heavy metals although their adverse effects on the human body have been proved by a number of studies. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the effect of smoking on concentration of cadmium, nickel, and lead in donor blood. A semistructured questionnaire was prepared and given to participants. It showed that 79% (two groups: 65 smokers and 65 nonsmokers) smoked at least one cigarette per day. Collected blood samples were then subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). In comparing blood levels between smoking and nonsmoking participants, we noted a high positive correlation between lead and nickel concentrations. There were statistically significant correlations between cadmium, lead, and nickel concentrations in the blood of smokers and nonsmokers. Moreover, because a substantial percentage of blood donors may be smokers and blood donation does not always meet demand, it would be difficult to completely exclude smokers from donating blood. Our findings indicate the need to screen for heavy metals when transfusing blood to the elderly, neonates, and infants, and to avoid transfusion of blood and blood products if levels are in the toxic range. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/0ff459a57a4c08d0,2a1f3ff2521fee54,7da1742459816497.html