Meta-analysis of multiple myeloma and benzene exposure

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.