About 1.3 million Americans have a disorder called hemochromatosis, an ailment in which the body improperly metabolizes iron. America's Blood Centers, a group of nonprofit, independent blood banks which collect another 45 percent of volunteer donations, also do not keep the blood, though their membership is divided on the policy. The waste of blood has enraged many hematologists. In those who have the condition, excess iron accumulates in the organs and literally rusts. Early warning signs are chronic fatigue, joint pain, and impotence.
Severe sufferers can even set off metal detectors, and their skin bronzes.
But if the disease is treated early, a person can live a normal life span. Although people with hemochromatosis have a serious disease, the Red Cross and ABC agree that the blood they purge is as safe as a regular donor's. In fact, the CDC and many hematologists believe it's better for patients who need regular transfusions than normal blood. The red blood cells are younger, so fewer transfusions are needed. No official statistics are kept on how much blood is given by people with hemochromatosis.