Agricultural exposure to carbamate pesticides and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Recent epidemiological studies have suggested an increased risk of non-Hodg kin lymphoma (NHL)Srs m carbamate insecticide use among farmers. To further explore the possible relationships, we conducted a pooled analysis of thre e population-based case-control studies conducted in four midwestern states in the United States. A total of 985 white male subjects and 2895 control subjects were included in this analysis. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association and control for confounding. Compared with nonfarmers, farmers who had ever used carbamate pesticides had a 30 % to 50% increased risk of NHL, whereas farmers without carbamate pesticide u se showed no increased risk. Analyses for individual carbamate pesticides f ound a more consistent association with Sevin but not carbofuran, butylate, or S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate plus protectant, Among farmers using Sati n, the risk of NHL was limited to those who personally handled the product, those who first used the product for greater than or equal to 20 years bef ore their disease diagnosis, and those who used the product for a longer pe riod. These associations persisted after adjusting for other major classes of pesticides. These results suggest an increased risk of NHL associated wi th carbamate pesticide use, particularly Sevin. Further investigation of th e association is warranted.