What are the occupational implications of thalassaemia?

The thalassaemias are a heterogeneous group of inherited haemoglobin disorders. With modern treatment, most patients with severe disease survive to adult life. If they have no complications, and their general health is good, then the condition should have little impact on their fitness for work, though exposure to agents that are toxic or suppress the bone marrow should be avoided. Most patients with thalassaemia have minor disease and are asymptomatic. Their condition generally has no effects on their fitness to work. Pre-employment screening for thalassaemia is not justified.