Methemoglobin Levels in Smokers and Non-Smokers

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Abstract
The authors analyzed the blood of a group of 336 smokers and 336 non-smokers to determine if tobacco smoke, potentially the major source of nitrogen oxide pollution for 40% of the adult population, significantly reduces oxygen carrying capacity as a result of methemoglobin formation. Each blood sample was analyzed for carboxyhe-moglobin, methemoglobin, and hemoglobin using an automated spectrophotometer. The mean value of methemoglobin in the smokers did not exceed that in the non-smokers; in fact, the level in the non-smokers was significantly greater. As expected, carboxyhemoglo-bin levels in smokers substantially exceeded those in non-smokers. The authors conclude that methemoglobin arising from cigarette smoke exposure does not interfere with the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood in smokers.