Disorders of the Hematopoietic System

Blood and Air Pollution; State of Knowledge and Research Needs

“…Exposure to sufficient amounts of arsine leads to severe anemia, jaundice, and hemoglobinuria. Arsenic compounds are known to react with sulfhydryl groups in the cell membrane, which may be related to the mechanism of hemolysis 2 , 5…”

“…Localized high concentrations, such as occur in tunnels and garages, however, may pose a health risk, and cigarettes as a CO source continue to be a problem 1 . The pathophysiology of CO results from the fact that it readily enters the blood and binds over 200 times more firmly to hemoglobin than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin and seriously interfering with blood's oxygen‐transport capability 2 . Severe acute exposure can result in death due to asphyxiation or to permanent damage to the central nervous system.…”

“…In children, the major risk is from inhalation of household dust particles containing lead from old paint. Young children living near lead smelters also have an increased risk of lead absorption 2 . Most patients with lead poisoning exhibit some anemia, although it is not the most important clinical result of lead exposure.…”

“…The carcinogenic risks from ionizing radiation are well known. The latent period between irradiation and the clinical appearance of cancer may be as long as 20 years but is usually shorter for leukemia than for solid tumors 2 . Studies of Japanese atom bomb survivors have shown an excess of all types of leukemias except chronic lymphatic leukemia and an increase in the frequency of multiple myeloma as well as non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.…”