Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk derived from exposure to organic solvents: a review of epidemiologic studies

Abstract

The rate of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) has increased around the world during the last decades. Apart from the role of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the development of NHL, exposure to chemical agents like phenoxyacetic pesticides, hair dyes, metal fumes and organic solvents are suspected to be involved. The present review evaluates the results of studies that directly or indirectly searched for an association between solvent exposure and NHL. The selected studies comprised those published from 1979 to 1997, designed to investigate risk factors for NHL, whether specifically looking for solvent exposure or for general risks in which solvent exposure could be included. In 25 of the 45 reviewed studies (55.5%), fifty-four statistically significant associations between NHL and solvent exposure related occupations or industries were reported. Statistical significance was more frequently shown in studies where solvent exposure was more accurately defined. In eighteen of such studies, 13 (72.2%) defined or suggested organic solvents as possible risk factors for NHL.

Chemical exposure during pregnancy and oral clefts in newborns

“…The action of these chemical agents has already been described in the literature on risk factors for other diseases, like some neoplastic diseases, including non-Hodgkin lymphomas, leukemias, and pancreatic tumors (Ojajarvi et al, 2000;Rego, 1998). These findings tend to ensure the biological plausibility of their possible involvement in disturbing cell division mechanisms.…”

“…Smoking and alcohol are heavily related to neoplasms at various anatomical sites (mouth, esophagus, larynx), pesticides and insecticides, and other chemical compounds such as organic solvents, associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (Rego, 1998) and pancreatic tumors (Ojajarvi et al, 2000). This observation suggests a biological plausibility deriving from the fact that the chemical agent's cellular toxicity reflects a time gradient with a possible effect in the short term (represented by fetal loss), medium term (occurrence of malformations), and long term (detection of cancer).…”

Update on Epidemiology and Therapeutics for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

“…67 Occupations with exposures to solvents-including chlorinated solvents, benzene, paint thinner, and mineral oilhave been linked to NHL risk. 68 The GST-mediated glutathione conjugation is known to play a role in the detoxification of a broad array of chemicals, including pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic amines, and solvents.…”

Metabolic Gene Variants and Risk of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

“…Benzene is a potent lymphomagen in experimental animals, and high-dose exposure in humans has been associated with both acute myeloid leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (6). These observations have spurred investigation of other solvent exposures, including chlorinated solvents, thinner and white spirit, and mineral oil, which have been linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk in some but not all studies (7). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are known to cause a variety of cancers primarily through evidence linking cigarette smoking, a potent source of PAHs, with various cancers.…”