The Effect of Environmental Pollution on Blood Components of Individuals in Different Environmental Areas (Rural and Urban)

Abstract

Many chemicals and their harmful effects and diseases have been linked as causative agents of diseases. The research included knowledge of the effect of continuous exposure to environmental pollutants on the blood components of individuals living in Mosul (an urban area) and Al-Sheikhan district (a rural area). Eighty blood samples were collected from males only, non-smokers, alcohol abusers and those free of chronic diseases. Their ages ranged Between (21-55) years old; the samples were divided into two groups. The first group included (40) blood samples from Mosul, while the second group included (40) samples from individuals from the Al-Sheikhan district in the same age groups. The results showed a significant increase in Red Blood cell count (RBCS), Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and Packed Blood Cell Volume (PCV) in the group of males living in the city of Mosul compared with the group of males living in the Al-Sheikhan district. In contrast, the results showed a significant increase in White Blood cell count (WBCS), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Platelet Count (PLT) in a group of males living in Al-Sheikhan district compared with a group of males living in Mosul city. Keywords: Environmental Areas, Environmental Pollution, Blood Components, Rural, Urban.