A clandestine culprit with critical consequences: Benzene and acute myeloid leukemia

Blood Rev. 2021 May:47:100736. doi: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100736. Epub 2020 Jul 22.

Abstract

While most clinicians recognize adult therapy-related leukemias following cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation, environmental regulatory agencies evaluate exposure to "safe levels" of leukemogenic compounds. Benzene represents the most notorious leukemogenic chemical. Used in the production of ubiquitous items such as plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, and pesticides, benzene may be responsible for the higher risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) among automobile, janitorial, construction, and agricultural workers. It is possible that ambient benzene may contribute to many cases of "de novo" AML not arising out of germline predispositions. In this appraisal of the available literature, we evaluate and discuss the association between chronic, low-dose and ambient exposure to environmental benzene and the development of adult AML.

Keywords: AML; Acute myeloid; Benzene; Leukemia; Leukemogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Benzene / toxicity*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / chemically induced
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / epidemiology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / genetics
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / metabolism
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Benzene