What causes aplastic anemia and MDS?
Although the cause of aplastic anemia or MDS usually can’t be determined, the diseases may be triggered by exposure to • chemotherapy • radiation therapy • high levels of ionizing radiation—the type produced by high power x-ray machines and in nuclear power plants • benzene, a chemical used in some manufacturing processes • toxic chemicals found in some pesticides • certain viral infections In most cases of aplastic anemia, these or other unknown triggers provoke the body’s own immune system to destroy the bone marrow stem cells. Certain rare inherited disorders can also lead to aplastic anemia and uncommon forms of MDS seen in children.
