Adverse effects of cigarette smoking on exhaled breath carbon monoxide, blood carboxyhemoglobin, and hematological parameters amongst Sri Lankan adult tobacco smokers: A descriptive study

Abstract

Tobacco smoking is the single most preventable cause of death worldwide and a major risk factor for several non-communicable diseases. Tobacco smoking has both acute and chronic effects on hematological parameters. The study aims to assess the effects of smoking intensity on exhaled breath carbon monoxide (eCO), carboxyhemoglobin (COHb%) and hematological parameters. METHODS Adult male daily smokers (n=360) and matched non-smoking males (n=180) from Colombo district, Sri Lanka, were selected. Sociodemographic data, smoking habits and anthropometric data were recorded. An automated Smokerlyser (Smokerlyser, Bedfont) was used to estimate eCO and COHb% in exhaled breath and Brinkman index was used to quantify the level of smoking exposure. A venous blood sample was analyzed for a full blood count. Smokers were compared with the non-smoking group.