Many different factors may interfere with the normal production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Infections, inflammatory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, tumor of various kinds, cancer of bones, and certain toxic substances – all of these may contribute to bone marrow failure. X-rays, atomic explosions, and radioactive substances may also be added to the list, for they are likely to become more common in the future.

In bone marrow anemia the patient feels tired, his skin is pale and waxy in appearance. He may have hemorrhages under the mucous membranes around the eyes. His blood count may drop below 2,000,000 and his white blood count may also drop from normal of 7,000 per cubic millimeter to less than 1,000. In treating such a condition causes must always be determined. The patient should avoid any medication to which he is allergic.

Blood transfusions are often needed in these cases. Vitamin B12 injections may help to restore the normal activity of the bone marrow, provided it has not been damaged beyond repair. This is one of the serious hazards of atomic warfare. Doctors are now attempting to transplant bone marrow from one person to another in hope of solving this serious condition, should we ever be faced with real atomic war.