Evaluate the adverse impact of metal oxide on workers of different age groups that engage with gas metal arc welding process: health risk assessment.

Immense epidemiological studies have been indicated about adverse effects of the welding fumes on the health of the welders, especially respiratory problems and other physiological disorders. The different types of welding mechanisms produce aerosols/fumes that contain different metals including chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn). In the present study, the welders of two age groups (adolescents and adults) were selected; simultaneously the age-matched adolescents and adults belong to nonindustrial area as referents/control subjects. Biological samples (scalp hair) were collected from welders and referents, along with analyzed for Cr and Mn by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer, prior to acid digestion. To evaluate the occupational exposure on the health of the workers, the clinical features and biochemical parameters of selected population (exposed and non-exposed age-matched groups) were also carried out. The resulted data indicated that the concentrations of Mn and Cr were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of welders as compared to referent subjects (p < 0.01), verifying the absorption/exposure of both metals produced in welding fumes. The high prevalence of anemia and stomach disorder was observed in adolescent than adult welding workers. The incidence of asthma and related symptoms was elevated in adult welders than in younger boys. The neurological problems were particularly observed in aged welders > 50 years, might be due to long time exposure of welding fumes contains different toxicant especially Mn in ill ventilation system of workshops.

Exposure of heavy metals in coal gangue soil, in and outside the mining area using BCR conventional and vortex assisted and single step extraction methods. Impact on orchard grass.

It was investigated that toxic metals (cadmium and lead) enhanced in coal gangue soil used for the reclamation of soil, creates adverse impacts on atmosphere. Presently the chemical fractionation of toxic metals in coal, inner and outer coal gangue soil samples of Lakhra coalfield were studied along with the impact on the orchard grass grown on coal gangue soil in a subside land of the coal mining area. The BCR sequential extraction scheme (BCR-SES) was carried out to determine the different chemical profiles of heavy metals in coal and coal gangue soil samples. For comparative purpose time saving conventional single step extraction (CSE) and vortex assisted single step extraction (VSE) schemes based on same working setting used BCR extraction scheme. The all three procedures were validated by a certified soil sample (BCR 483) and standard addition method in real samples. The total Cd and Pb in coal, soil and grass samples were determined prior to oxidize by acid mixture. The separation of each fraction of Cd, and Pb in all types of environmental samples by VSE could be completed in 30-120 s. The extracted Cd and Pb concentrations in reducible fractions by CSE and VSE extraction procedure were 2.5-5% higher than those values gained through BCR-SES. About 71 and 50% of Cd and Pb in coal samples were observed in acid soluble, reducible and oxidizable fraction, respectively, whilst rest of Cd and Pb (29 and 50%) were found in residual phase. The orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) grown on land reclaimed with OSG was analysed, the bioaccumulate Cd and Pb may create adverse impacts on grazing cattle.

Occupational exposure of lead and cadmium on adolescent and adult workers of battery recycling and welding workshops: Adverse impact on health.

The occupational exposure of toxic metals is an important concern, because of its potential accumulation in living organisms, leading to long term toxic effects. The occupational and environmental contacts of toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) have been evaluated by determination of them in biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of adolescent and adults, workers of battery recycling and welding workshops. The age matched adolescent and adult residing in nonindustrial areas were also selected, termed as referent/control subjects. The blood and scalp hair samples of workers and controls were analyzed for Cd and Pb using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry previously decomposed the matrices using acid mixture. The biochemical parameters of workers of both age groups were also evaluated. The average concentrations of Cd and Pb in blood and scalp hair samples of adolescent workers were three fold higher as compared with control subjects. The drinking water in containers of both workshops contained Pb and Cd in two to four and five to thirteen folds, respectively, higher than recommended permissible limits of WHO. The significant correlations between the blood lead levels and hemoglobin (%) in adolescent (r = -0.78). The positive correlation was observed among incidence of blood pressure with Pb and Cd concentrations in biological samples of workers (adults) (r = 0.65 to 0.83). These findings suggest that occupational exposure of toxic metals might be created adverse impacts on workers due to ill management of workshops.

Geochemical exposure of heavy metals in environmental samples from the vicinity of old gas mining area in northern part of Sindh Pakistan. Adverse impact on children.

In early nineteen century, a gas field was operational in southern part of Sindh, Pakistan for power production. The plant was completely un-operational for last three decades, whereas all wastage and raw materials are still dumped there, which might be the source to contaminate the ground water. The most of the workers population still living in different villages nearby the gas field. In present study, evaluated the undesirable effects of the toxic metals (lead and cadmium) via consuming groundwater for drinking and other domestic purpose especially in children of ≤5.0 years. For comparative purpose groundwater of nonindustrial area (nonexposed) was also analysed and their impact on age matched children was carried out. Biological samples (scalp hair and blood) were collected from children of exposed and nonexposed areas. The Cd and Pb in scalp hair and blood samples were carried out by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Whereas, Cd and Pb in groundwater obtained from both areas were determined prior to applied preconcentration method as reported in our previous works. The Cd and Pb contents in the groundwater of villages of exposed area were found in the range of 5.18-10.9 and 19.9-69.5 µg/L, respectively. Whereas, the groundwater of nonexposed area contains Cd and Pb in the range of 1.79-3.78 and 5.07-24.3 µg/L, respectively. It was observed that the concentrations of Cd and Pb in scalp hair and blood samples of children belongs to exposed area have ≥2.0 fold higher than the resulted data attained for age matched control children, indicating as the exposure biomarkers of toxic metals. The children belong to exposed area have poor health, anemic and low body mass index (<13 kg/m2). A significant positive correlations among Cd and Pb concentrations in biological samples of exposed subjects and groundwater was observed (p < 0.01).

Effects of high fluoride content in livestock drinking water on milk samples of different cattle in endemic area of Pakistan: risk assessment for children.

Fluoride in trace quantity is beneficial for human beings, serving to strengthen the apatite matrix of skeletal tissues and teeth, whereas high intake causes adverse impacts. In the present study, the effect of fluoride-contaminated drinking water of livestock on the milk samples of different cattle, belonging to a fluoride-endemic area (Tharparkar, Pakistan), was studied. In milk samples of different cattle (cows, camels, sheep, and goats), free and bound fluoride forms and its total (free (F-) + bound (F-)) contents were measured by ion-selective electrode. The concentration of fluoride in drinking water of livestock was also analyzed, as found in the range of 11.8-33.5 mg/L. The concentration of total fluoride in the milk samples of sheep, goats, cows, and camels were observed in the range of 1.72-2.43, 1.40-2.03, 0.835-1.41, and 0.425-0.897 mg/L, respectively. The resulted data indicated that the concentration of fluoride was higher in the milk samples of smaller cattle (sheep and goat), as compared to cow and camel. The fluoride in milk samples of all cattle appeared dominantly in free form. The percentage values of bound fluoride in the milk samples of sheep, goats, and cows were found to be 6.76, 11.6, and 19.7% in total, respectively, while in camel milk, the percentage was below the detection limit. The estimated daily intake of fluoride contents on consuming different types of milk by children age ranged 1.0 to 3.0 years was evaluated. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

A new tunable dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction method developed for the simultaneous preconcentration of lead and cadmium from lakes water: a multivariate study.

A green tunable dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction (TDLLME) technique was established for the simultaneous enrichment of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from different lakes water before analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). A solvent known as tunable polarity solvent (TPS), mixture of 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU) and 1-decanol, has been employed as extractant in aqueous medium. In first step this mixture can be made polar by slowly bubbling the antisolvent trigger (CO2) through the solution, which makes a monophasic solution. During this step hydrophobic complexes of the metals with 8-hydroxy quinoline (8-HQ) were extracted by TPS. Then the mixture was switched back to hydrophobic one by heating and/or bubbling nitrogen, turning the mixture into two phases again. In second phase the metals were leached out from the complexes entrapped in TPS, by treating with a solution of nitric acid and exposing the mixture to CO2, which switched the mixture into single phase. Then N2 purging and/or heating again turned the mixture into two phases. The acidic aqueous phase containing the metals was introduced to FAAS for analysis, whereas TPS was recycled for next experiment. Different parameters, affecting the efficiency the technique, were optimized by multivariate approach. The method was applied to certified reference material of water and to a real sample spiked with standards of known concentration, to confirm its validity and accuracy. LOD obtained for Pb and Cd were 0.560 and 0.056µgL-1 respectively. The developed method was applied successfully to the real water samples of two lakes of Sindh, Pakistan.

The effects of arsenic contaminated drinking water of livestock on its total levels in milk samples of different cattle: Risk assessment in children.

This work was carried out to evaluate the arsenic (As) levels in milk samples of different milch animals, sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes and camels in Tharparkar, Pakistan. The concentration of As in the milk samples of cows, buffalos, sheep, goats and camels were observed in the range of 15.1-18.4, 2.6-7.7, 25.7-33.2, 10.5-37.3 and 6.6-13.7 µg/L, respectively. The levels of As in livestock drinking water of each farms/flocks was found in the range of 238-2000 µg L-1. A positive correlation with Pearson correlation coefficients, ranged as, 0.926-0.974 (p = 0.001-0.011) was observed between the As concentration in milk samples of cattle and in corresponding drinking water of farms/flocks. The high bio-transfer factor of As was occurred in the milk samples of sheep. The content of As in scalp hair of children was observed to be elevated, who consumed milk of lower cattle (sheep and goat) than cow and camel. The As content in scalp hair directly proportional to the age of children. The hazardous quotient value of As due to consumption of milk was observed in decreasing order as, sheep > goats > camels > cows. The total hazardous quotient or noncarcinogenic risk values for children consuming the milk of sheep, goat, cow and camels were found >1 of reference dose for As, creates adverse effects on health in childhood stage. The children of all three age group have higher carcinogenic risk factor who are consuming milk of goat and sheep than larger cattle.

Evaluated the adverse effects of cadmium and aluminum via drinking water to kidney disease patients: Application of a novel solid phase microextraction method.

In present study aluminum (Al) and cadmium (Cd) were determined in ground water samples and assesses human health risks associated with elevated concentrations of toxic metals in dissolved form, using a novel solid phase microextraction (SPµE). Ground water sample (n=200) and biological sample (blood) of patients having chronic kidney disorders (CKD) along with healthy control subjects of same area (southern part of Pakistan) were collected. A simple system, including the micropipette tip packed with modified ionic liquid-activated carbon cloth (IL-ACC) coated with 8-hydroxyqunilone (8-HQ) attached to syringe. The analytes in water and acid digested blood samples were manually drawn for 2-10 cycles (drawing/discharging) at different pH range. The analytes sorbed on coated ACC were then desorbed with 2.0molL(-1) HNO3 in ethanol by drawing/discharging cycles for 1-5 times. The concentration of extracted analytes was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer. The influence of different variables on the extraction efficiency of Cd and Al, were optimized. The Al and Cd concentrations in groundwater were found to be elevated than recommended limits by the World Health Organization. The urinary N-acetyl-h-glucosaminidase values were significantly higher in CKD patients as compared to refrent subjects (p<0.001). The significant variation in levels of Cd and Al were observed in blood samples of CKD patients than referents subjects (p<0.01). The strong positive correlation among Al and Cd levels in groundwater versus blood samples of CKD patients (r=0.82-0.85) p<0.01) was observed than those values calculated for referent subjects (r=0.425-0.536).

Toxic Risk Assessment of Arsenic in Males Through Drinking Water in Tharparkar Region of Sindh, Pakistan.

Humans are exposed to arsenic (As) through air, drinking water, and food. The arsenic (As) hazardous quotient was calculated on the basis of its concentration in drinking water of different origin and scalp hair of male subjects (n = 313), residents of different exposed and non-exposed areas of Sindh, Pakistan. The total As was determined in water and scalp hair samples, while As species were determined in water samples by advance extraction methodologies. The total As concentrations in drinking water of less-exposed (LE) and high-exposed (HE) areas was found to be 2.63 to 4.46 and 52 to 235, fold higher than the permissible limit, respectively, than recommended by World Health Organization (2004) for drinking water. While the levels of As in drinking water of non-exposed (NE) areas was within the permissible limit. The resulted data indicated that the dominant species was As(+5) in groundwater samples. The levels of As in scalp hair samples of male subjects of two age groups (18-30 and 31-50 years), belonging to NE, LE, and HE areas, ranged from 0.26 to 0.69, 0.58 to 1.34, and 15.6 to 60.9 µg/g, respectively. A significant correlation between As levels in drinking water and scalp hair was observed in HE area (r = 0.86-0.90, p < 0.001) as compared to those subjects belonging to LE area. A toxicity risk assessment was calculated as hazard quotient (HQ), which indicates that the study subjects of HE area have significantly higher values of HQ than LE. The population of As exposed areas is at high risk of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenesis effects.

A population assessment of mercury exposure from two cities of Pakistan with respect to freshwater and marine fish consumption.

In this study, we aimed to estimate the level of mercury (Hg) in scalp hair samples of human subjects and its association with consumption of sea- and freshwater fish species. The scalp hairs were collected from both genders (male and female) aged between 15 and 50 years (n = 200), living in coastal areas of Karachi, who mostly consumed sea fish species, referred to as exposed subjects. For comparison purposes, scalp hair samples of both genders (n = 160) were collected from the inhabitants of Karachi and Hyderabad cities who consumed freshwater fish species termed as referent subjects. The frequently consumed fresh and marine fish species were also collected. The level of Hg was determined in fish and scalp hair samples by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, prior to ultrasonic-assisted acid digestion in a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The validity of methodology was checked by certified reference material (CRM) BCR 397 (human hair) and DORM-2. The concentrations of Hg in sea- and freshwater fish were found in the range of 1.47-2.09 and 0.402-0.676 µg/g, respectively. The exposed subjects had significantly elevated levels of Hg in scalp hair samples (1.8-4.3 µg/g) as compared to referent subjects (0.87-1.95 µg/g) (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was obtained between the concentration of Hg in hair and age of study population. Exposed and referent female subjects had higher levels of Hg in scalp hair than that in males of both study groups (p = 0.02-0.031).

Lead Assessment in Biological Samples of Children with Different Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Lead (Pb) levels have been evaluated in the biological samples of children with different gastrointestinal disorders. Blood, scalp hair, and urine samples of children (of age 4-10 years) complaining about different gastrointestinal disorders were analyzed. For comparison, age matched healthy subjects were also included in this study. Biological samples were digested in a microwave oven prior to Pb determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Significant differences in Pb profile were found between the diseased and referent children. Elevated Pb contents were observed in case of diseased children than WHO permissible limit, while normal results were obtained for healthy referents. The results were compared with those of healthy children having the same age, socioeconomic status, and residential areas.

Correlation of aluminum and manganese concentration in scalp hair samples of patients having neurological disorders.

Neurodegenerative diseases are thought to be multifactorial, while metals (aluminum and manganese) can be involved as cofactors in abnormalities or suspected of being risk factors for this disorder. The aim of our study was to assess the aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) concentrations in scalp hair samples of 397 patients having different types of neurological disorder diseases. For comparative purpose, scalp hair samples of 201 control subjects does not have any neuro-disorders of same age group (30-60 years) and were selected as referents. The Al and Mn in scalp hair samples were assessed by the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity of methodology was checked by the certified human hair reference material (NCS ZC81002). The results of this study showed that the mean values of Al and Mn were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of all types of neurological disorder patients as compared to controls (p = 0.01-0.001). The high levels of Al and Mn may play a role in the development of neurological disorders. However, further work is suggested to examine the precise correlation between trace elemental level and the degree of disorders in neurological patients.

Application of dual-cloud point extraction for the trace levels of copper in serum of different viral hepatitis patients by flame atomic absorption spectrometry: a multivariate study.

An efficient, innovative preconcentration method, dual-cloud point extraction (d-CPE) has been developed for the extraction and preconcentration of copper (Cu(2+)) in serum samples of different viral hepatitis patients prior to couple with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The d-CPE procedure was based on forming complexes of elemental ions with complexing reagent 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN), and subsequent entrapping the complexes in nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114). Then the surfactant rich phase containing the metal complexes was treated with aqueous nitric acid solution, and metal ions were back extracted into the aqueous phase, as second cloud point extraction stage, and finally determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using conventional nebulization. The multivariate strategy was applied to estimate the optimum values of experimental variables for the recovery of Cu(2+) using d-CPE. In optimum experimental conditions, the limit of detection and the enrichment factor were 0.046µgL(-1) and 78, respectively. The validity and accuracy of proposed method were checked by analysis of Cu(2+) in certified sample of serum (CRM) by d-CPE and conventional CPE procedure on same CRM. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu(2+) in serum samples of different viral hepatitis patients and healthy controls.

Evaluation of lead levels in biological samples of mentally retarded children in different stages using advanced extraction method.

In present study the lead (Pb) levels has been assessed by analyzing the scalp hair and blood samples of mentally retarded/intellectual disabled (MR/ID) children of both genders, age ranged 3-8 years. For comparative purpose, healthy age matched children were also selected. The cloud point extraction of Pb from digested biological samples was carried out by complexed with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate. The complexed analyte was subsequently isolated from the aqueous matrix in the micelles of a non-ionic surfactant (Triton X-114). Dilution of the surfactant-rich phase with acidified ethanol was performed after phase separation, and the Pb content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Factors affecting the cloud point extraction were evaluated and optimized. The proposed procedure allowed the determination of lead in certified standard and real samples with detection limits of 0.834µgL(-) and enhancement factor 55. The results were compared with those of healthy children have same age, socioeconomic status and residential areas.

Quantification of arsenic in dialysate solution and scalp hair samples of kidney failure patients by cloud point extraction and electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy.

A method has been developed for the determination of arsenic (As) in pharmaceutical and scalp hair samples of kidney failure patients by cloud point extraction (CPE). The scalp hair samples were subjected to microwave-assisted digestion in nitric acid-hydrogen peroxide (2 + 1, v/v). Then, dialysate and digested scalp hair solutions were preconcentrated by CPE using pyronine B as a complexing agent. The resulting complex was entrapped in nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114) prior to its determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy. The validity of the CPE method for As was checked by analysis of a certified reference material of human hair and a standard addition method for dialysate solution. The chemical variables affecting the analytical performance of the CPE methods were studied and optimized. After optimization of the complexation and extraction conditions, a preconcentration factor of 52 was obtained for As in 10 mL of dialysate solution and acid digested samples of scalp hair. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the LOD and LOQ of As for the preconcentration of 10 mL of solution were 0.022 and 0.073 microg/L, respectively. The level of As in scalp hair samples of kidney failure patients was higher than in healthy controls.

Distribution of copper, iron, and zinc in biological samples (scalp hair, serum, blood, and urine) of Pakistani viral hepatitis (A-E) patients and controls.

The aim of the present study was to compare the level of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in biological samples (serum, blood, urine, and scalp hair) of patients suffering from different viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E; n = 521) of both gender age ranged 31-45 years. For comparative study, 255 age-matched control subjects, of both genders residing in the same city were selected as referents. The elements in the biological samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked by using certified reference materials (CRMs) and with those values obtained by conventional wet acid digestion method on same CRMs. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cu and Fe were higher in blood, sera, and scalp hair samples of hepatitis patients, while Zn level was found to be lower than age-matched control subjects. The urinary levels of these elements were found to be higher in the hepatitis patients than in the age-matched healthy controls (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with literature-reported data, confirming that the deficiency of zinc and hepatic iron and copper overload can directly cause lipid peroxidation and eventually hepatic damage.

Chromium and manganese levels in biological samples of normal and night blindness children of age groups (3-7) and (8-12) years.

This study was designed to compare the levels of chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn) in scalp hair, blood, and urine of night blindness in children age ranged (3-7) and (8-12) years of both genders, comparing them to sex- and age-matched controls. A microwave-assisted wet acid digestion procedure, was developed as a sample pretreatment, for the determination of Cr and Mn in biological samples of night blindness children. The proposed method was validated by using conventional wet digestion and certified reference samples of hair, blood and urine. The digests of all biological samples were analyzed for Cr and Mn by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated significantly higher levels of Cr, whilst low level of Mn in the biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of male and female night blindness children, compared with control subjects of both genders. These data present guidance to clinicians and other professional investigating deficiency of Mn and excessive level of Cr in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of night blindness children.

Evaluation of essential trace and toxic elements in biological samples of normal and night blindness children of age groups 3-7 and 8-12 years.

The most common cause of blindness in developing countries is vitamin A deficiency. The World Health Organization estimates 13.8 million children to have some degree of visual loss related to vitamin A deficiency. The causes of night blindness in children are multifactorial, and particular consideration has been given to childhood nutritional deficiency, which is the most common problem found in underdeveloped countries. Such deficiency can result in physiological and pathological processes that in turn influence biological samples composition. Vitamin and mineral deficiency prevents more than two billion people from achieving their full intellectual and physical potential. This study was designed to compare the levels of Zn, Mg, Ca, K, Na, As, Cd, and Pb in scalp hair, blood, and urine of night blindness children age ranged 3-7 and 8-12 years of both genders, comparing them to sex- and age-matched controls. A microwave-assisted wet acid digestion procedure was developed as a sample pretreatment, for the determination of As, Ca, Cd, K, Pb, Mg, Na, and Zn in biological samples of night blindness children. The proposed method was validated by using conventional wet digestion and certified reference samples of hair, blood, and urine. The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The results of this study showed that the mean values of As, Cd, Na, and Pb were significantly higher in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of male and female night blindness children than in referents (p < 0.001), whereas the concentrations of Zn, Ca, K, and Mg were lower in the scalp hair and blood but higher in the urine samples of night blindness children. These data present guidance to clinicians and other professional investigating deficiency of essential mineral elements in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of night blindness children.

Status of toxic metals in biological samples of diabetic mothers and their neonates.

The mechanism of transport of trace elements from the mother to the newborn is still not well known. The aim of present study was to compare the status of trace toxic elements, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in biological samples (whole blood, urine and scalp hair) of insulin-dependent diabetic mothers (age ranged 30-40) and their newly born infants (n = 76). An age and socioeconomics matched 68 nondiabetic mothers and their infants, residing in the same locality, who were selected as referents. The elemental concentrations in all three biological samples were determined by an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer, prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The mean values of As, Cd, and Pb in all biological samples of diabetic mothers and their infants were significantly higher as compared to the referent mother-infant pair samples (p < 0.01). The high levels of As, Cd, and Pb in biological samples of diabetic women may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and impacts on their neonates.

Interactions between cadmium and zinc in the biological samples of Pakistani smokers and nonsmokers cardiovascular disease patients.

The pathogenesis of some cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has been altered with changes in the balance of certain trace and toxic elements. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in smoker and nonsmoker male CVD patients (n = 457) of two age groups (31-45) and (46-60). The both elements were determined in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, and urine) of CVD patients and healthy referents for comparison purpose. The concentrations of Zn and Cd were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. It was observed that the mean values of Cd were significantly higher in the biological samples of smokers CVD as compared to nonsmoker CVD patients, while the level of Zn was lower in both smoker and nonsmoker patients. The concentrations of Zn in whole blood and scalp hair samples were lower in CVD patients as compared to referents (p > 0.001). Results showed significant changes of levels of Cd and Zn in blood and scalp hair samples of CVD patients when compared with healthy referents, while reverse in the case of urine samples. It was observed that low Zn levels were associated with both smoker and nonsmoker CVD patients, while increased cadmium accumulation was observed in smoker patients as compared to nonsmoker patients (p > 0.025).