Benzene Associated Diseases

People who are exposed to benzene over an extended period of time are more likely to develop certain serious diseases and conditions, including anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma. Following is a description of some of the illnesses associated with benzene exposure.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) - a disease in which immature white blood cells proliferate and eventually prevent normal blood cells and bone marrow from functioning properly. It is also known as acute childhood leukemia. Symptoms include: bleeding, bone pain, exhaustion, skin irritation, and weight loss.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) - a type of cancer that affects the body's blood-forming tissues. As a result, an overabundance of immature white blood cells is formed. These cells then interfere with normal blood cell and bone marrow function. AML is also known as acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute myelogenous leukemia. Symptoms are similar to those of ALL.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) - a disease in which blood-forming cells in the body's tissues, bone marrow, and blood grow too quickly. As a result, the body's bone marrow does not function properly. CML is also known as chronic granulocytic leukemia. Symptoms include: exhaustion, bone pain, fever, and swelling of the spleen.

Myelodysplasia - a disease in which many of the new blood cells constantly formed by the bone marrow are abnormal and dysfunctional.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes - several conditions in which changes in the bone marrow appear as precursors to the development of leukemia.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, spleen, and other lymphatic tissue. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is also known as lymphocytic lymphoma, histiocytic lymphoma, and lymphoblastic lymphoma. Symptoms include: weight loss, fever, excessive perspiration, and swollen lymph nodes.

Secondary Aplastic Anemia - a condition in which a person's bone marrow is unable to produce new blood cells. This includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Secondary aplastic anemia is also known as acquired aplastic anemia. Symptoms include: weakness, exhaustion, elevated pulse, and shortness of breath.

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