Benzene-induced myelodysplastic syndrome.

In various industries benzene is used for cleaning, stain removal, and dilution and as an adhesive. The petrochemical industry uses benzene as a raw material for styrene, alkyl benzene, and caprolactam. Moreover, aromatic compounds are added to gasoline as a substitute for alkyl lead compounds. Although atmospheric lead pollution is reduced, the concentration of benzene released into the air is increased. Because benzene is widely used in industry, exposure of workers to benzene is a health concern that deserves attention. During the late 19th century, it was found that continuous exposure to benzene can lead to aplastic anemia and leukemia. There were also cases of acute myeloblastic leukemia reported during this period. This association brought attention to the toxicity of benzene to the bone marrow. Additional studies in Italy and Turkey showed that the standardized mortality ratio of leukemia among workers exposed to benzene is higher than that of nonexposed civilians. The threshold limit values for benzene have become more stringent. Threshold limit values refer to airborne concentrations of substances and represent conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be exposed on a daily basis without adverse health effects. The Department of Occupational Disease in Tri-Service General Hospital was established in 1994. Its goal is “to find and identify patients with occupational diseases, and to perform research in occupational medicine.” The patient prompting this case report came to our hospital with benzeneinduced myelodysplastic syndrome in 1996.