Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. Certain chemicals are suspected as a cause, although the risk remains ill defined. Because multiple myeloma is rare, if a study is not large enough, it may lack the statistical power to show whether a chemical is linked to this particular cancer. However, certain jobs are clearly associated with a higher chance for multiple myeloma, such as farming and working with chemicals; although, the reason this occurs remains unclear.
Pesticides
Intense exposure to pesticides, even if occasional, increases the chance for multiple myeloma, according to a study of nearly 3 million workers in Sweden, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention in 2008. Additionally, the International Journal of Cancer reports that the rate of multiple myeloma was higher for thousands of people in Italy exposed to pesticides by an industrial accident.
By the same token, farmers are more likely to get multiple myeloma, according to a report in the International Journal of Cancer. Researchers continue to debate the role of pesticides, however, as not all studies link exposure to higher cancer rates.
Benzene
Long exposure to benzene has been suggested to cause multiple myeloma, although it has not been definitively proven, reports the International Journal of Cancer. A study of workers in chemical factories showed increases with the number of years they worked in the plant.
Sensitizing Agents
The 2008 Swedish study reported in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that people exposed to high molecular weight (HMW) sensitizing agents are more likely to get multiple myeloma. HMW agents include flour, latex and fungal enzymes. This surprising discovery was made while observing bakers and pastry cooks, who are chronically exposed to flour dust. Researchers suggest an ongoing immune response to these agents may raise the risk.
Other High-Risk Occupations
Increases in multiple myeloma have been reported in people working with rubber, petroleum, heavy metals, polyuretane foam and textiles. Chemical workers are more likely to have multiple myeloma, based on 18 studies, reports the International Journal of Cancer. Chemists and farmers are thought to have the highest rates of myeloma because they are exposed to so many chemicals besides pesticides, including solvents, fuels, lubricants and wood preservatives.
References
- "International Journal of Cancer"; Multiple Myeloma: A Review of the Epidemiologic Literature; 2007
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention"; Occupation, Exposure to Chemicals, Sensitizing Agents, and Risk of Multiple Myeloma in Sweden; 2008
