Myleodysplastic Syndrome and Exposure to Benzene

Myleodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a disease of the blood and bone marrow. In MDS there is a collection of hematological conditions joined by not enough production of red blood cells and white blood cells. It is difficult to treat individuals with MDS because of the combination of hyperactive marrow and the blood cell production that is inadequate. Although MDS is uncommon in young people, anyone can get it. Many times the disease decreases as the bone marrow deteriorates.

What Causes MDS?

While there is no obvious cause for MDS there are, however, several risk factors that are related to the occurrence of MDS. Benzene and radiation are a couple of these factors. Many different types of leukemia are cause by the chemical benzene.


Individuals that suffer from Myelodysplastic Syndromes were exposed to the chemical benzene at work or in their area. Benzene is often used in dyes, artificial rubber, and plastics. It has been known that benzene can be added in gasoline also.


There is a high probability that individuals who have been in contact with the high levels of the chemical benzene will have MDS or some other kind of leukemia. After the initial diagnosis, about one third of all MDS victims' health will degenerate quickly to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).