Certified Safety Professional Practice Exam

Myelogenous leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has a well-established link to long-term exposure to benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and chronic exposure to this chemical has been associated with chromosomal abnormalities that lead to the development of myeloid lineage blood cancers. Research has demonstrated that individuals who work in environments where benzene is prevalent, such as chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and certain industrial jobs, experience a higher incidence of this type of leukemia.

The correlation appears to stem from benzene's ability to interfere with the bone marrow's function, potentially leading to the inappropriate production of blood cells and eventual leukemogenesis. This mechanism aligns with the pathology observed in myelogenous leukemia, as the disease affects the myeloid line of blood cells, including red cells, platelets, and certain white blood cells.

Other types of leukemia mentioned do not exhibit a similar strong connection to benzene exposure. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia primarily affects children and has different risk factors. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia typically arises from a different set of etiological factors and does not have the same exposure risk associated with benzene. Hairy cell leukemia is also distinct, with its own unique set of risk factors and pathoph