Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders which are characterized by when the bone marrow in an individual is not making enough healthy blood cells. These cells that don’t work properly, called blasts, take up space in the bone marrow or blood, which doesn’t allow space for healthy blood cells to grow. Unfortunately, MDS does not currently have a cure, but it’s symptoms can be managed with supportive care, drug therapy, medication, and stem cell transplantation. Symptoms of MDS include fatigue, shortness of breath, paleness, and weakness. Also due to the effects of MDS, individuals are more susceptible to infections, anemia, bruising, and bleeding that won’t stop.
Types of MDS
The classification of MDS is based on specific characteristics observed in the blood and bone marrow, including the type and number of abnormal cells, genetic abnormalities, and other factors. MDS is classified into theses subtypes:
1) MDS with Single Lineage Dysplasia (MDS-SLD)-Dysfunction in one type of blood cell (either red cells, white cells, or platelets)
2) MDS with Multi Lineage Dysplasia (MDS-MLD)-Dysfunction in two or more types of blood cells
3) MDS with Ring Sideroblasts (MDS-RS)-Presence of ring sideroblasts (abnormal red blood cells with iron-loaded mitochondria) in the bone marrow
4)MDS with Excess Blasts (MDS-EB)-Higher number of immature blood cells in the bone marrow or blood
Risk Factors for MDS
Age: As an individual gets older, the risk for MDS also increases. MDS is usually diagnosed in people in their 70’s and 80’s.
Sex: Men are more likely than woman to develop MDS, thought to be due to the fact that men are more likely to smoke and be exposed to more chemicals in the workplace
Genetic Syndromes: People with certain inherited syndromes are more likely to develop MDS.
Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of MDS.
Previous Treatment: Previous treatment of radiation or chemotherapy therapy make individuals more likely to develop MDS .
Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Chemicals such as benzene have been found to increase the risk of getting MDS.
Occupations Most At Risk For Getting MDS
Chemical plant workers: These professionals handle and process benzene as part of their job responsibilities. They may work in plants that produce petrochemicals, plastics, rubber, and other chemical products.
Refinery workers: Benzene is a component found in crude oil and is commonly present in oil refineries. Workers involved in refining processes, such as distillation, reforming, and cracking, may be exposed to benzene.
Railroaders and Railroad industry workers: Jobs on the railroad face a multitude of toxic exposures from chemicals to dust such as benzene, diesel exhaust, solvents, creosote, herbicides, silica dust and asbestos dust.
Gasoline station workers: Those employed at gasoline stations may have occupational exposure to benzene due to the handling and storage of gasoline, which contains varying amounts of benzene.
Petrochemical industry workers: Professionals involved in the production of various chemicals derived from petroleum, such as styrene, ethylbenzene, and cyclohexane, may have exposure to benzene.
Rubber industry workers: Benzene is often used as a solvent and in the production of rubber products, including tires, hoses, and conveyor belts. Workers involved in the manufacturing process may come in contact with benzene.
Painters: Some paints, primarily oil-based paints, may contain benzene. Painters who use such paints regularly may have inhalation exposure to benzene.
Industrial cleaners: Certain cleaning agents used in industries may contain benzene. Industrial cleaners who use or handle these chemicals may have exposure to benzene.
Chemists and laboratory technicians: Professionals working in laboratories where benzene or benzene-containing compounds are used for research, testing, or analysis may have exposure to benzene during their work activities.
Printing industry workers: Benzene is often used as a solvent in printing inks, especially those used in flexography and gravure printing. Printers who handle these inks may have exposure to benzene.
Welders: Benzene can be produced as a byproduct when welding various materials, especially those containing hydrocarbons. Welders who work with benzene-containing materials may have exposure to benzene through inhalation.
Firefighters: Benzene is released into the air during fires involving materials that contain it. Firefighters involved in firefighting and rescue operations where such fires occur may have exposure to benzene.
Agricultural workers: Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture may contain benzene or benzene-related compounds. Workers involved in applying these chemicals or working in fields treated with them may have exposure to benzene.
Paint manufacturing workers: Benzene can be used as a solvent or a raw material in the production.
Sources and Effects of Toxins Linked to MDS
1. Benzene
Source: Found in industrial solvents, gasoline, cigarette smoke, and emissions from vehicles.
Effect: Benzene is a well-known carcinogen that can cause bone marrow damage, leading to MDS and other blood disorders such as leukemia.
2. Chemotherapy Drugs
Source: Used in cancer treatment (e.g., alkylating agents, topoisomerase II inhibitors).
Effect: While these drugs target cancer cells, they can also damage healthy bone marrow cells, increasing the risk of secondary MDS.
3. Radiation
Source: Occupational exposure (e.g., radiology technicians, nuclear industry workers) and radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
Effect: Ionizing radiation can damage DNA in bone marrow cells, potentially leading to MDS.
4. Pesticides and Herbicides
Source: Agricultural use in farming, gardening, and landscaping.
Effect: Chronic exposure to certain pesticides and herbicides has been linked to an increased risk of MDS due to their potential to cause genetic mutations.
5. Industrial Solvents
Source: Used in various industries such as painting, printing, and manufacturing.
Effect: Solvents like toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene can be toxic to bone marrow cells and may contribute to the development of MDS.
6. Heavy Metals
Source: Exposure in industries such as mining, welding, and battery manufacturing.
Effect: Metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can accumulate in the body and damage bone marrow cells, increasing the risk of MDS.
7. Tobacco Smoke
Source: Active and passive smoking.
Effect: Contains numerous carcinogens, including benzene, which can damage bone marrow and increase the risk of MDS and other cancers.
8. Formaldehyde
Source: Used in manufacturing, embalming, and as a disinfectant.
Effect: Exposure to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, has been associated with an increased risk of blood cancers, including MDS.
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