EVIDENCE FOR RADIATION AND CHEMICALS AS LEUKEMOGENIC AGENTS

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1961 · Arch. Environmental Health

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.1961.10663025· OSTI ID:4843766

Cronkite, E P

Both single and prolonged exposure to x ray and gamma rays was demonstrated to produce an increase in the incidence of leukemia in man. There is no reason to question the leukemogenic capacity of all types and energies of radiation irrespective of the source, providing that the hemopoietic tissues are irradiated. After single doses of penetrating x rays or gamma rays, reaeonable estimates of the increased incidence of leukemia to be expected can be made. Comparable estimates after chronic exposure, intermittent exposure, and deposition of radioisotopes in the bone cannot be made. Many chemicals and drugs were shown to be capable of inducing leukemia in animals. Of all the toxic agents to which man is exposed in industry, a reasonable cause and effect relationship was established only for benzol. The absence of a positive correlation of leukemia induction with other toxic agents a "clean bill of health," since all carcinogenic processes are statistical, and the unequivocal demonstration of a small effect may necessitate a sample size in excess of 105. Such an exposed group is a rarity, even in huge industries. When a positive effect is demonstrated in a small group the hazard is relatively great. The leukemia burden from toxic influences in industry remains unknown, but its sum throughout industry could be significant. Continuous surveillance for an effect and increasing protection against all khown leukemogens is essential. Any drug or chemical capable of inducing bone marrow damage must be assumed to be potentially a leukemogen. (auth)

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, N.Y.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-15-027410
• OSTI ID: 4843766
• Report Number(s): BNL-5299
• Journal Information: Arch. Environmental Health, Journal Name: Arch. Environmental Health Vol. Vol: 3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ANIMALS
BENZENE
BENZOL
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BONE MARROW
BONES
CARCINOGENESIS
CHEMICALS
DRUGS
GAMMA RADIATION
LEUKEMIA
MAN
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOISOTOPES
X RADIATION