25 Years of Experience with NHL and Pesticide Exposure

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Over the past 40 years, a substantial rise in the incidence of

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has been observed. Epidemiologic studies

aimed at understanding this rise have revealed some association with

occupational exposure.

NHL is common among farmers, where pesticides have been described as

the culprit. The association between pesticides and NHL has been

demonstrated mainly in case-control studies, while retrospective

cohorts have been less convincing. Pesticides including chlorphenol

and phenoxyacetic acid herbicides, organochlorines, and

organophosphate insecticides, carbamates, and fungicides have been

associated with NHL.

Although the causality has not been clearly proven, both genotoxic and

nongenotoxic mechanisms for lymphomagenesis have been proposed.

The leveling-off of NHL incidence in certain countries may be the

result of a favorable change in pesticide usage patterns. Future

studies, such as the Agricultural Health Study, may clarify the

uncertainties regarding this issue.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel