The high level of air pollution is an important problem. One of these major pollutants is carbon monoxide (CO), which can block normal physiology. Hematologic alteration is another important side effect of exposure to CO. Adverse effects on red blood cells, formation of nonfunctional hemoglobin called carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), have been well documented. The effect of CO on platelets is not well documented. Therefore, the correlation between the level of blood COHb and the platelet count was evaluated in 28 subjects exposed to CO. There is no statistical significance; however, decreased platelet count, platelet distribution width, and plateletcrit, and an increase in blood COHb were observed.
deBruin A.Carboxyhemoglobin levels due to traffic exhaust. Arch Environ Health1967;15:384.
2.
Choi IS. Carbon monoxide poisoning: systemic manifestations and complications. J Kor Med Sci2001;16:253.
3.
Turner M.Carbon monoxide poisoning. Carboxyhaemoglobin can be measured with standard blood tests. BMJ2000;320:804.
4.
Ferretti P, Dall’Asta D, Artioli F, Marchini L, Gelmini G.Effect of blood levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) on erythrocyte filtration time in young smokers. Acta Biomed Ateneo Parmense1985;56:27.
5.
Verrier RL, Mills AK, Skornik WA. Acute effects of carbon monoxide on cardiac electrical stability. Res Rep Health Eff Inst2003;35:1.
6.
Zevin S, Saunders S, Gourlay SG, Jacob P, Benowitz NL. Cardiovascular effects of carbon monoxide and cigarette smoking. J Am Coll Cardiol2001;38:1633.
7.
Stonesifer LD, Bone RC, Hiller FC. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in carbon monoxide poisoning. Report of a case. Arch Intern Med1980;140:104.
8.
Haynes JM, St Pierre JT. Occult carboxyhemoglobinemia and hypoxemia in a patient with malaria. Respir Care2000;45:1115.
Wright GR, Jewczyk S, Onrot J, Tomlinson P, Shephard RJ. Carbon monoxide in the urban atmosphere: Hazards to the pedestrian and the street-worker. Arch Environ Health1975;30:123.
11.
Alarie Y.Toxicity of fire smoke. Crit Rev Toxicol2002;32:259.
