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Meta-Analysis
. 2001 Nov;11(6):249-54.
doi: 10.2188/jea.11.249.

Meta-analysis of multiple myeloma and benzene exposure

T Sonoda  1 , Y Nagata, M Mori, T Ishida, K Imai
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Meta-analysis of multiple myeloma and benzene exposure

T Sonoda et al. J Epidemiol. 2001 Nov.

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that benzene exposure may be a risk factor of multiple myeloma (MM). We performed meta-analyses of case-control studies to assess the association between occupational exposure to benzene and the risk of MM. We divided the occupational sources of benzene exposure into 4 categories, benzene and/or organic solvents, petroleum, petroleum products, and engine exhaust, for conducting the meta-analysis. As a result, a significant positive association was indicated between exposure to engine exhaust and MM (summary odds ratio or summary OR=1.34, 95% confidence interval or 95%CI=1.14-1.57). However, no significant associations were obtained for benzene and/or organic solvents (summary OR=0.74, 95%CI=0.60-0.90), petroleum (summary OR=1.11, 95%CI=0.96-1.28) and petroleum products (summary OR=1.08, 95%CI=0.89-1.33) with risk of MM. These results suggested that benzene exposure itself was not likely to be a risk factor of MM. It is thought that several harmful chemical agents in engine exhaust, other than benzene, could be etiologically related to the risk of MM. Further case-control studies on MM are needed to obtain more information about detailed occupational exposure to toxic substances.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Result of meta-analysis of case-control studies on association between benzene and/or organic solvents and the risk of multiple myeloma.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Result of meta-analysis of case-control studies on association between petroleum and risk of multiple myeloma .
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Result of meta-analysis of case-control studies on association between petroleum products and risk of multiple myeloma.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.. Result of meta-analysis of case-control studies on association between engine exhaust and risk of multiple myeloma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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