Detection of Selected Heavy Metals in Human Blood Samples

Lead and cadmium are recognized as environmental pollutants. One of the major sources of atmospheric lead is the burning of gasoline in vehicles containing antiknock additive lead. The environmental pollution and smoking contributes a lot for cadmium concentration in human blood. A research based survey was conducted to find out the levels of heavy metals in blood samples of subjected persons of two cities of central Punjab, Pakistan viz. Ghakkhar and Wazirabad with the average period (15 yrs) of exposure towards automobile emission. The levels of cadmium and lead in human blood samples of investigated and control groups were examined between August to December 2010. Blood samples of subjected persons age ranged 25-60 yrs were collected. Control group includes the adolescent males (16-20 years). Cadmium and lead concentrations were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean blood cadmium and lead level among investigated groups was significantly higher as compared to control group. So this book will help to know that environmental lead and cadmium pollution is associated with an increased blood lead and cadmium level in those who are regularly exposed to vehicle exhaust