DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2015.v03i06.009

Pages: 558-562

Lead is well known for centuries for its toxic effects on adults and children through its different routes of exposure. In this study we gave our concern on lead levels of the blood donors to evaluate the possible lead exposure associated with blood transfusion. Twenty four blood donor samples were chosen randomly from Regional Centre for Blood Transfusion Services in Zagazig, Sharqia governorate, Egypt. The whole blood lead concentration was estimated for all samples by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). We have found that 90% of our blood donors had blood lead levels above10 µg/dl, demonstrating high risk for lead poisoning in children from the blood transfusion process. Different natural filters were applied to remove the lead from blood. Among different materials used including three types of zeolites and natural products, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was found to decrease the level of lead in blood significantly. It is recommended, that blood filtration using natural materials should be considered in blood banks to decrease the lead levels.