HAZARDOUS EFFECTS OF COAL POLLUTION ON COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT AND PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW

Abstract

To find out the effects of coal power plant related air pollution on complete blood count and peak expiratory flow. After taking a detailed history and written consent, detailed data of 50 young persons was collected, excluding patients suffering from cardiac and respiratory problem. Peak expiratory flow meter was used to measure peak expiratory flow and complete blood count was
calculated with an automated analyzer. 50% of young students recruited, had a peak expiratory flow below the normal range which suggests how coal induced pollution is affecting younger people. On observing complete blood count it was seen that most of the patients had a low Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration(MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume(MCV), suggesting that high levels of pollutants in air are also contributing to changes in blood picture in almost 50% of our patients.