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Studies Supporting Benzene as Cause of Aplastic Anemia

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, a division of the Department of Health & Human Services, "Benzene-induced aplastic anemia is caused by chronic exposure at relatively high doses." Fatal aplastic anemia following benzene exposure was first reported in workers in the nineteenth century.

Muzaffer Aksoy, M.D. states in his article titled, "Benzene as a Leukemogenic and Carcinogenic Agent" Amer. J. Industrial Medicine 8:9-20 (1985) "Although the use of benzene started around the second half of 19th century, the chronic toxic effect of this chemical agent was seriously considered only in 1897. That year, Santesson [1897] described four fatal cases of aplastic anemia in a Swedish bicycle-tire factory. Following Santesson's description of four cases of aplastic anemia, numerous animal experiences unanimously confirmed this effect of benzene."

Benzene-based compounds, airplane glue, and drugs such as chloramphenicol have been linked to aplastic anemia. Benzene is widely used in the United States; it ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume. Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals which are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.

Even though it has been known to science for more than a century that benzene causes aplastic anemia, and the levels of benzene in the environment are regulated, people are still at a high risk of developing aplastic anemia and other blood disorders due to benzene exposure.

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If you have questions about benzene poisoning or blood disorder symptoms and are concerned about possible occupational diseases and cancers, we are here to help. Toxic tort and injury laws are complex and confusing. The Metzger Law Group is here to help you. Call us today for a FREE evaluation to find out if you have a case or fill out our free evaluation forms to consult with a member of our caring staff.