Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, soft tissue sarcomas, insect repellents, and phenoxyherbicides

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if there is an additional risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or soft tissue sarcoma as a consequence of exposure to a combination of phenoxyherbicides, rubber gloves, DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), and sunlight compared with each of the individual chemicals.

Methods: This was a population-based study of men with specific cancers and age, province-matched control subjects.

Results: No additional risk from these combinations of exposures of developing these three types of tumor was found in contrast to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusions: The mechanisms by which phenoxyherbicides contribute to the risk of multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma may be different.