SUMMARY
Introduction: Chronic myelogenous leukemia is a relapsing and remitting disease that may be caused by exposure to environmental toxins. In this report, we discuss a case of an individual who was occupationally exposed to chemical carcinogens over a period of 10 years and developed chronic myelogenous leukemia pursuant to this exposure. Case Presentation: A middle aged chemical worker presented to the emergency room with a hematopoietic syndrome. Diagnostic studies revealed laboratory findings consistent with myelogenous leukemia. Due to the patients known repeated chemical exposures over a multi-year period preceding the hematopoietic syndrome, a qualified medical evaluator determined that the leukemia was work related. Conclusion: Chronic myelogenous leukemia is not generally considered an occupational disease. However, a review of the literature demonstrates that exposure to certain chemicals may result in the induction of leukemia. Several biochemical mechanisms have been proposed to account for this effect. This case illustrates that occupational history must be considered if the attribution of causation is material to the patient in the setting of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Moreover, personal protective equipment should be worn under all circumstances when working with noxious fumes in order to avoid inhalational exposures.