Lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue cancer in a chemical manufacturing environment

Am J Ind Med. 1989;16(6):631-43. doi: 10.1002/ajim.4700160603.

Abstract

Nested case-control studies of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (52 cases), multiple myeloma (20 cases), nonlymphocytic leukemia (39 cases), and lymphocytic leukemia (18 cases) were conducted within a cohort of employed men from two chemical manufacturing facilities and a research and development center. Exposure odds ratios were examined in relation to 111 work areas, 21 specific chemicals, and 52 chemical activity groups. Associations were observed for a maintenance and construction subgroup (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) and a chlorohydrin production unit (nonlymphocytic leukemia). The odds ratio for the association of "foremen and others" with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was 3.2 (CI95 = 1.47-7.2) based on 11 cases. A duration-response trend was observed for the chlorohydrin unit with three of four cases assigned 5+ years to that unit. An association between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and assignment to strong acid alcohol production units (OR = 8.3; CI95 = 2.3-30.7) was not supported by a duration-response trend. Two highly correlated chemical groups, antioxidants (five cases) and nitriles (four cases), were over-represented among multiple myeloma cases. A duration effect was observed. However, examination of work histories did not reveal common jobs or departments among these cases.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alkanesulfonates / adverse effects
  • Chemical Industry*
  • Ethylene Chlorohydrin / adverse effects
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / chemically induced*
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / mortality
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / chemically induced*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / mortality
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / chemically induced*
  • Multiple Myeloma / mortality
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / mortality
  • West Virginia / epidemiology

Substances

  • Alkanesulfonates
  • Ethylene Chlorohydrin