Which substance is recognized as a leukemia hazard?

Which substance is recognized as a leukemia hazard?

• A. Toluene
• B. Formaldehyde
• C. Benzene
• D. Chlorine

Answer: (C)

Benzene is recognized as a leukemia hazard because it is a well-documented carcinogen that affects the bone marrow and can lead to the development of blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Exposure to benzene, even at low levels, has been linked to detrimental effects on hematopoietic function, which is vital for producing blood cells. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans based on sufficient evidence for its ability to cause cancer. The other substances listed, while they may present various health risks, are not specifically associated with the same level of evidence linking them to leukemia. Toluene primarily affects the nervous system and is not classified as a significant carcinogen. Formaldehyde has been connected with nasopharyngeal cancer and other health issues but is not prominently linked to leukemia. Chlorine is mainly associated with respiratory issues and irritation but lacks the strong cancer link that benzene has. Hence, benzene stands out due to its established connection to leukemia, making it the correct choice.

Benzene is recognized as a leukemia hazard because it is a well-documented carcinogen that affects the bone marrow and can lead to the development of blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Exposure to benzene, even at low levels, has been linked to detrimental effects on hematopoietic function, which is vital for producing blood cells. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans based on sufficient evidence for its ability to cause cancer.

The other substances listed, while they may present various health risks, are not specifically associated with the same level of evidence linking them to leukemia. Toluene primarily affects the nervous system and is not classified as a significant carcinogen. Formaldehyde has been connected with nasopharyngeal cancer and other health issues but is not prominently linked to leukemia. Chlorine is mainly associated with respiratory issues and irritation but lacks the strong cancer link that benzene has. Hence, benzene stands out due to its established connection to leukemia, making it the correct choice.