Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) is a blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. It occurs when the body produces too many abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Fortunately, some types of NHL are able to be cured. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem-cell transplant, or medications.
Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Chest pain, coughing or trouble breathing
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
Subtypes of NHL
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B-cell lymphomas
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T-cell lymphomas
Risk Factors of NHL
Age: Getting older is a strong risk factor for lymphoma overall, with most cases occurring in people in their 60s or older. But some types of lymphoma are more common in younger people.
Sex: Overall, the risk of NHL is higher in men than in women, but there are certain types of NHL that are more common in women. The reasons for this are not known.
Race, Ethnicity, and Geography: In the United States, White people are more likely than African American people and Asian American people to develop NHL. Worldwide, NHL is more common in developed countries, with the United States and Europe having some of the highest rates.
Family history: Having a first-degree relative (parent, child, sibling) with NHL increases your risk of developing NHL.
Immune system: A weakened immune system can be a risk factor for NHL.
Previous Cancer Treatment: Individuals who have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers may have an increased risk of developing NHL
Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Some studies have shown that certain chemicals, such as some pesticides and herbicides and benzene, may be linked to an increased risk of developing NHL.
Occupations Most At Risk for NHL
Chemical plant workers: These professionals handle and process benzene as part of their job responsibilities. They may work in plants that produce petrochemicals, plastics, rubber, and other chemical products.
Refinery workers: Benzene is a component found in crude oil and is commonly present in oil refineries. Workers involved in refining processes, such as distillation, reforming, and cracking, may be exposed to benzene.
Railroaders and Railroad industry workers: Jobs on the railroad face a multitude of toxic exposures from chemicals to dust such as benzene, diesel exhaust, solvents, creosote, herbicides, silica dust and asbestos dust.
Gasoline station workers: Those employed at gasoline stations may have occupational exposure to benzene due to the handling and storage of gasoline, which contains varying amounts of benzene.
Petrochemical industry workers: Professionals involved in the production of various chemicals derived from petroleum, such as styrene, ethylbenzene, and cyclohexane, may have exposure to benzene.
Rubber industry workers: Benzene is often used as a solvent and in the production of rubber products, including tires, hoses, and conveyor belts. Workers involved in the manufacturing process may come in contact with benzene.
Painters: Some paints, primarily oil-based paints, may contain benzene. Painters who use such paints regularly may have inhalation exposure to benzene.
Industrial cleaners: Certain cleaning agents used in industries may contain benzene. Industrial cleaners who use or handle these chemicals may have exposure to benzene.
Chemists and laboratory technicians: Professionals working in laboratories where benzene or benzene-containing compounds are used for research, testing, or analysis may have exposure to benzene during their work activities.
Printing industry workers: Benzene is often used as a solvent in printing inks, especially those used in flexography and gravure printing. Printers who handle these inks may have exposure to benzene.
Welders: Benzene can be produced as a byproduct when welding various materials, especially those containing hydrocarbons. Welders who work with benzene-containing materials may have exposure to benzene through inhalation.
Firefighters: Benzene is released into the air during fires involving materials that contain it. Firefighters involved in firefighting and rescue operations where such fires occur may have exposure to benzene.
Agricultural workers: Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture may contain benzene or benzene-related compounds. Workers involved in applying these chemicals or working in fields treated with them may have exposure to benzene.
Paint manufacturing workers: Benzene can be used as a solvent or a raw material in the production.
Sources and Effects of Toxins Linked to NHL
1. Benzene
- Source: Found in industrial settings, oil refineries, chemical plants, and in products like plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.
- Effect: Benzene is a well-known carcinogen that can cause DNA damage and increase the risk of various hematologic cancers, including NHL.
2. Pesticides and Herbicides
- Source: Used extensively in agriculture to control pests and weeds. Common chemicals include phenoxyacetic acids, organochlorines, and organophosphates.
- Effect: Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can disrupt endocrine function and immune system regulation, increasing the risk of NHL.
3. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Source: Previously used in electrical equipment, hydraulic fluids, and other industrial applications; banned in many countries but persist in the environment.
- Effect: PCBs are persistent organic pollutants that can disrupt the immune system and are linked to an increased risk of NHL.
4. Dioxins
- Source: By-products of various industrial processes, including waste incineration, chemical manufacturing, and paper bleaching; also found in contaminated soil and water.
- Effect: Dioxins are highly toxic and can cause immune system damage, increasing the risk of NHL.
5. Formaldehyde
- Source: Utilized in the production of resins, plastics, textiles, and as a preservative in medical laboratories and mortuaries.
- Effect: Long-term exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to various cancers, including NHL, due to its ability to cause DNA and cellular damage.
6. Organic Solvents
- Source: Used in many industries, including dry cleaning, painting, and manufacturing. Common solvents include trichloroethylene, toluene, and xylene.
- Effect: Chronic exposure to organic solvents has been associated with an increased risk of NHL due to their potential to cause genetic mutations and immune system dysfunction.
7. Asbestos
- Source: Previously used in construction materials, automotive parts, and other industrial applications.
- Effect: Asbestos fibers can cause chronic inflammation and immune system disruption, potentially leading to an increased risk of NHL.
8. Arsenic
- Source: Naturally occurring in the environment, also used in pesticides, wood preservatives, and certain industrial processes.
- Effect: Chronic exposure to arsenic can cause DNA damage and has been linked to various cancers, including NHL.
9. Radiation
- Source: High levels of ionizing radiation from medical treatments, nuclear accidents, or occupational exposure.
- Effect: Ionizing radiation can cause DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations, leading to an increased risk of NHL.
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