Toxicants can impact blood cells in several ways. They may interfere with hematopoiesis, the process by which blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, leading to conditions like aplastic anemia or pancytopenia. Certain chemicals, such as benzene, are well-known for their myelotoxic effects, causing a reduction in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Additionally, toxicants can cause direct damage to existing blood cells, inducing hemolysis or oxidative stress that compromises cell function and survival.
