Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
A Model for Experimental Exposure of Humans to Larval Ixodes scapularis Ticks
Published on: December 1, 2023
Insect repellents, phenoxyherbicide exposure, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Helen H McDuffie1, Punam Pahwa, Diane Robson
1Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada. mcduffie@sask.usask.ca
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.
