Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndrome, or pre-leukemia, is a disease where the bone marrow does not properly function so an insufficient number of normal blood cells are made. Sometimes very difficult to diagnose and to treat, myelodysplastic syndrome is basically a bone marrow malfunction that has been linked to benzene exposure. Workers are at the highest risk for suffering benzene related illnesses, and while workplace standards are meant to protect people from occupational illnesses like myelodysplastic syndrome, exposure still occurs.

Dating as far back as 1920 a link between benzene exposure and leukemia and cancer, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, was shown to exist. Understanding the dangers of working with hazardous chemicals like benzene and how to recognize work-related illnesses can help reduce the number of sufferers. There is no established treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome as of yet.

For more information on myelodysplastic syndrome and benzene exposure, please contact us..