Thesis - Faculty of Science

Anemia is one of the most common diseases that are associated with pollutants exposure. A complete blood count test (CBC) can determine the presence of abnormal hematological parameters and diagnose many serious preventable disorders including anemia. To assess the associations between exposure to pollutants and hematologic parameters among Lebanese inhabitants and Syrian refugees, who were exposed to toxic fumes emanating from Deir Kanoun Ras El Ain dump, a population-based study involving 679 Lebanese and Syrian Refugees living in the three villages Deir Kanoun, Klayleh and Smaiyeh was carried out. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes. CBC tests were performed and differences were statistically analyzed between different villages, sexes, nationalities, and age groups. Many blood parameters showed abnormal levels indicating hematological disorders including anemia, infections, allergy, and inflammation. Similar trends of abnormal CBC parameters were observed among the three villages. The highest percentage of abnormal erythrocyte parameters was found in Klayleh, while for leukocyte parameters, the highest was in Smaiyeh. Significant differences were observed between sexes and nationalities that may be associated with low income, environmental pollution and poor hygiene. This paper investigates and highlights the associations of living in a polluted area and the abnormal trends of CBC parameters. They emphasize the damaging effect of Deir Kanoun Dump on all inhabitants of the surrounding region calling for immediate intervention from the Lebanese government to find solutions