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A case-control study of multiple myeloma and occupation
P A Demers1, T L Vaughan, T D Koepsell
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|April 1, 1993
Summary
This study found increased multiple myeloma risk for painters and agricultural workers, especially those with long-term exposure or high pesticide exposure. Firefighting and certain manufacturing jobs also showed potential links.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells.
- Occupational exposures are suspected risk factors for multiple myeloma.
- Previous studies suggest links between multiple myeloma and certain occupations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between multiple myeloma and lifetime employment in various occupations and industries.
- To identify specific job roles and industries associated with increased risk.
Main Methods:
- Population-based case-control study design.
- Interviews collected lifetime job histories from incident multiple myeloma cases and controls.
- Statistical analysis using odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) to assess risk.
Main Results:
- Elevated risk for painters (OR=2.1), especially with ≥10 years of employment (OR=4.1).
- Increased risk for agricultural workers (OR=1.3), particularly farm laborers (OR=1.8).
- Significantly higher risk for agricultural workers with high pesticide exposure (OR=5.2).
- Some evidence for associations with firefighting and petroleum/coal product manufacturing.
Conclusions:
- Findings support associations between multiple myeloma and employment as painters and agricultural workers.
- Pesticide exposure in agriculture may be a significant risk factor.
- Further research is warranted for other identified occupational associations.