Poor air high quality possible the reason for rise in haemoglobin ranges amongst younger males

Poor air high quality on account of air pollution is being cited as one of many most important causes for a rise within the blood haemoglobin (Hb) ranges amongst younger males within the metropolis. A examine carried out within the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) blood financial institution in Kochi has noticed {that a} important proportion of walk-in male donors have excessive haemoglobin ranges, one thing that has been cited as a matter of concern.

The examine, which was carried out over a interval of 1 yr, has proven that among the many 15,000 odd walk-ins, solely 11,000 might donate blood, and over 3,600 folks needed to be deferred from donating blood. Among these deferrals, 52% have been short-term deferrals, whereas 24% constituted males who had excessive haemoglobin content material.

The excessive haemoglobin was noticed within the vary 17-19 gm/dL, and that too among the many age group of younger males aged between 18-40. “What is a reason for concern is the age group, the place they’re anticipated to be in prime well being situation. Such a excessive haemoglobin content material may be attributed to numerous causes. When we discover these excessive values, we ask them to seek the advice of a doctor,”  says Dr. Rema Menon, medical officer, IMA blood centre.

According to the physician, the excessive haemoglobin values are anticipated amongst folks residing within the mountains, because the physique would want extra pink blood cells to hold oxygen, for the reason that quantity of breathable oxygen is way decrease than at sea stage. “It is stunning that it’s noticed right here, the place we live at sea stage. And this was additionally seen in kids aged between 18 and 20 years. We consider that this could possibly be a results of exterior elements comparable to air pollution, a high-protein consumption weight loss plan, a sedentary way of life, and extended air conditioner utilization,” she says.

Dr. Rema added that that is only a pattern dimension and that extra analysis must be carried out. “We want to hold out in depth research and contain extra folks to judge the state of affairs and handle the problems, and overcome the issue,” she stated.  The examine outcomes have been primarily based on the information gathered between the interval 2024 to 2025.

“One of the explanations for the upper haemoglobin in younger males is carbon monoxide publicity from smoking. It may also happen from dehydration, weight problems or from ordinary publicity to carbon monoxide from different sources comparable to site visitors smoke or biofuels comparable to wooden. Then there are uncommon medical circumstances comparable to polycythemia vera. The significance of excessive haemoglobin relies on the scientific context. In an individual with no threat elements or signs, it’s unlikely to be of any scientific significance,” says Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convener, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA.