Blood cells, chemicals that damage

Benzene is the basis of a whole set of industrial chemicals called aromatic hydrocarbons that can be derived from the benzene molecule by changing one or more of the hydrogen atoms to form other compounds. They are called aromatic because they have a spicy smell. Exposure can give rise to brain and blood cell damage. 

The in vivo micronucleus test is used for the detection of damage to chromosomes as well as the mitotic apparatus in bone marrow or peripheral blood cells of rodents. The assay system has been well standardized.14-17 The basic features of the test system are (1) the effect of the test chemical is observed in anucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) (2) PCEs have a relatively short lifespan, so that any micronuclei they contain must have been generated as a result of recently induced chromosome damage (3) micronuclei are readily identifiable and their distribution is well defined and (4) the frequency of induced micronuclei in PCEs is dependent on sampling times. 

Cobalt chloride (CoClj) is used to manufacture vitamin even though the compound itself can cause damage to red blood cells. It is also used as a dye mordant (to fix the dye to the textile so that it will not run). It is also of use in manufacturing solid lubricants, as an additive to fertihzers, as a chemical reagent in laboratories, and as an absorbent in gas masks, electroplating, and the manufacture of vitamin B. ... 

Blister agents Chemical agent that burns the skin and produces large water blisters on skin that heal slowly and may become infected, and cause damage to eyes, blood cells, and respiratory tract. 

The nitrite ions generated by amyl nitrite inhalation increase the body s production of certain carcinogens, which increases the risk for cancer. They can also damage red blood cells by interfering with oxygen supply to vital tissues that can cause an often-fatal anemia. This type of poisoning happens most frequently to users who swallow rather than inhale the chemical. It requires immediate medical attention. 

Another concern associated with Love Canal was the possibility that chemicals within this site may have or had caused chromosomal damage. These concerns were first raised when a study commissioned by the USEPA in 1980 appeared to demonstrate abnormally high chromosomal aberrations in the blood cells of residents that could result in an increased risk of spontaneous abortions and birth defects.31 Such conclusions alarmed many local residents and in response the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) set up a team to review the USEPA s pilot study. The review highlighted several design faults and the study was heavily criticised for its alarming conclusions [which were] drawn from data that showed no significant differences from the control data .31 The HHS reassessment failed to find any statistical differences between the subjects and their controls for chromosomal damage. However, because the results failed to... 

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