Evaluation of hematological changes in population exposed to fluoride

Abstract

Absorption of fluorine compounds produces chronic toxicity and the hematological changes appear earlier in blood than other organs. A study was undertaken to determine the status of hematological changes in the individual residing in fluoride-contaminated area. Two hundred and fifty nine and 233 subjects from the contaminated area and an unaffected area, respectively, were selected for hematological investigations. Total erythrocytes (red blood corpuscles (RBC)), total leucocytes (white blood corpuscles (WBC)), and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were determined in these populations. Results revealed that Hb values were significantly lower among all age groups in the exposed population compared to control subjects. There was a quantitative rise in WBC counts in study subjects compared to controls. The RBC counts showed reduction among exposed population.

Keywords:

• fluorides – hematology Hb
• WBC
• RBC

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express the sincere thanks to the staff of ROHC (E) and officer in charge of ROHC (S) in conducting the study and for providing the necessary facility for preparing the manuscript. The authors gratefully acknowledge the subjects who have cooperated during this study.