Risk factor: Exposure to benzene derivatives as found in insecticides or pesticides

Benzene derivatives serve as toxins to the bone marrow (“myelotoxins”)

Myelotoxins suppress bone marrow function

Bone marrow fails to replace senescent blood cells

Decreased WBCs Decreased RBCs Decreased Platelets

Lowered immune defenses Decreased oxygen supply to Decreased clotting ability

Risk for Infection cells and tissues Bleeding tendencies

Epistaxis

Pallor Fatigue Weakness Heart compensates

Heart increases cardiac output

Ineffective Tissue Perfusion by pumping out more blood

Palpitations (compensatory tachycardia)