Medical Health Encyclopedia

Note on Allergies: There appears to be no adverse association between NHL and allergy, which is an overactive response of the immune system and is the most common immune disorder. In fact, one study found a decreased risk for certain lymphomas in people with plant or pet allergies or a history of bee or wasp stings.

Industrial Chemicals and Other Environmental Risk Factors

Overexposure to a number of industrial and agricultural chemicals have been frequently linked to an increased risk for lymphomas. The data, however, is not consistent.

• Organochlorines are chemicals produced when solid waste is burned. These by-product chemicals include dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and furans. Many studies have indicated that exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of developing NHL.
• A number of studies have found an association between NHL and certain pesticides and herbicides, although more research is needed to confirm any risk.
• White spirits, thinners, phenoxy herbicides, wood preservative, aviation gasoline, plastic, and rubber chemicals have been associated with a higher risk for lymphomas. Specifically, in one study, painters and lumberjacks had a higher risk for NHL, while office and house workers had a lower risk. (In this study, farmers also had a lower risk than others.)
• Some studies have found an association with long duration and early use of permanent dark hair dyes. There is no consistent evidence, however, that hair dye increases the risk for lymphomas.

Other Conditions Associated with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas

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Autoimmune Diseases. Patients with autoimmune diseases may have increased risks for developing NHL. A 2005 review found that patients with Sjogren’s syndrome had 18.8 times more risk for NHL than healthy patients. Systemic lupus erythemtosus increased risk by 7.4 times, and rheumatoid arthritis increased risk by 3.9 times.