ABSTRACT
Effects of pollutants on the blood and reticuloendothelial system are now becoming well known. Nitrous oxide can cause bone marrow depression; pesticides can depress T cells. Chemotherapy using antimetabolites can suppress leukocytes, leaving an individual vulnerable to recurrent infections. Mold toxins such as cyclosporin can suppress the tissue transplant rejection phenomenon. Clearly, pollutant effects on these systems can exacerbate chemical sensitivity and in some cases may even induce it. Toluene diisocyanate, for example, may sensitize T lymphocytes, while formaldehyde may suppress T cells and cause asthma or vasculitis.
