Lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue cancer in a chemical manufacturing environment

Nested case‐control studies of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (52 cases), multiple myeloma (20 cases), nonlymphocytic leukemia (39 cases), and lymphocytic leukemia (18 cases) were conducted within a cohort of employed men from two chemical manufacturing facilities and a research and development center. Exposure odds ratios were examined in relation to 111 work areas, 21 specific chemicals, and 52 chemical activity groups. Associations were observed for a maintenance and construction subgroup (non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma) and a chlorohydrin production unit (nonlymphocytic leukemia). The odds ratio for the association of “foremen and others” with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma was 3.2 (CI95 = 1.47–7.2) based on 11 cases. A duration‐response trend was observed for the chlorohydrin unit with three of four cases assigned 5 + years to that unit. An association between non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and assignment to strong acid alcohol production units (OR = 8.3; CI95 = 2.3–30.7) was not supported by a duration‐response trend. Two highly correlated chemical groups, antioxidants (five cases) and nitriles (four cases), were over‐represented among multiple myeloma cases. A duration effect was observed. However, examination of work histories did not reveal common jobs or departments among these cases.