Aplastic anemia associated with rubber cement used by a marathon runner

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Hematology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Marathon running presents unique challenges, including foot blistering.
• Some athletes use rubber cement to secure athletic tape over foot blisters.

Observation:

• A marathon runner repeatedly applied rubber cement to taped blisters for over a year.
• This practice exposed the runner to benzene, an impurity in rubber cement.

Findings:

• The marathon runner developed aplastic anemia.
• Benzene exposure is a known risk factor for aplastic anemia.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential occupational hazard for athletes using rubber cement.
• Awareness of benzene toxicity is crucial for preventing serious hematological conditions in athletes.