Haematological disorders and occupational hazards: a British Society for Haematology/Health and Safety Executive study.

During a 3-year period 229 patients in the U.K. with haematological disorders thought to be associated with occupational hazards were notified to the British Society for Haematology/Health and Safety Executive office. Most were suffering from malignant or premalignant states or aplastic anaemia. Benzene and ionizing radiation were the most common agents recorded. While no estimate can be made of the incidence of chemical or radiation induced disease at the present time, the data suggests that routine documentation of exposure at work is an important step in allowing more specifically focused studies.