Effects of industrial grade calcium carbide on haematological parameters of Wister albino rats

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of calcium carbide to force- ripe fruit is a threat to consumers’ health. This study evaluates the haematological changes induced by ingestion of industrial grade calcium carbide on rats. The rats were randomly assigned to a control group which received only food and water and a test group which, in addition to food and water, were fed calcium carbide daily for a period of 4 weeks. After the initial two weeks, three rats from each group were separated into other corresponding cages where exposure to calcium carbide was discontinued for another two weeks. The animals from each group were sacrificed after the fourth week and blood was collected by cardiac puncture for haematological analysis. Results obtained showed lowered values of red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and neutrophil (p˂0.05) with increase in mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocyte (p < 0.05). White blood cell count (WBC) and mean cell volume fluctuated between reduced and increased values when compared to the control group. No significant difference was observed in the assessed parameters after withdrawal of calcium carbide. Ingestion of industrial grade calcium carbide is toxic to the blood of laboratory rats and may be deleterious to human health following long-term exposure