HEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO INSECTICIDES.

The medical literature dealing with hematological disorders following exposure to insecticides (chiefly chlorinated hydrocarbons and organic phosphorus compounds) is briefly reviewed. The development of blood dyscrasias as a consequence of exposure to insecticides is considered unlikely. Reported cases are few in number and often involve persons with little contact with these materials. It is often impossible to prove (or to disprove) a cause-and-effect relation in the individual case. Pointers which may be of assistance in evaluating this relationship are described. Purpura as a result of allergic vascular changes after exposure to insecticides is also discussed.