Insect repellents, phenoxyherbicide exposure, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract

Objective: We sought to test a hypothetical explanation of contradictory results in studies of phenoxyherbicides and NHL, that the exposure of rubber gloves recommended for use by farmers when mixing or applying pesticides simultaneously to 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), and ultraviolet rays increased their permeability to 2,4-D.

Methods: We conducted a case (NHL n = 513)/control (n = 1506) study among men using age; province of residence; exposure to insect repellents containing DEET, phenoxy-herbicides, or dicamba; and gloves when handling pesticides.

Results: Using conditional logistic regression, the stratum with reported exposure to mecoprop, to DEET and the use of rubber gloves had higher odds ratios (3.86; 95% confidence interval = 1.57-9.49) compared with strata with other combinations.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the etiologic complexity of NHL was demonstrated.