Occupational exposure to gasoline and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a review and meta-analysis of the literature

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

Abstract

Aims: Gasoline comprises over 500 chemicals, including the known or suspected carcinogens benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylbenzene and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). To assess whether work in the production, distribution and use of gasoline is associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), we reviewed the published literature on this topic. Method: English-language peer-reviewed articles were identified by keyword searches of bibliographic databases. Twenty-two cohorts and thirteen case-control studies examined the risk of NHL among persons employed in the downstream petroleum industry. Result: No positive associations were found with the exception of one study. The pooled risk estimate from a random-effects meta-analysis was 1.02 (95% confidence interval (Cl) 0.94-1.12). Although there were no estimates available, exposure is likely to have varied by occupation, location and time period; there was no evidence however that risk estimates varied by any of these factors. NHL is a heterogeneous disease, yet no data were reported for NHL subtypes. Conclusion: In summary, there is no suggestion across an extensive literature that exposure to gasoline at the levels workers' experience in an occupational setting increases the risk of NHL. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)516-522
Number of pages7
JournalCancer Epidemiology
Volume34
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2010

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