NON-HODGKIN'S lymphoma is commonly linked to
pesticides and herbicides.
Rates of NH lymphoma in humans
skyrocketed in recent decades -- from a rarity to a common
condition. One in 66 Aussie men and one in 88 women will develop NH
lymphoma.
NH lymphoma affects white blood cells or lymphocytes which
multiply uncontrollably.
Scientists theorise that the disease killing Tasmanian devils may
also be linked to the use of herbicides and pesticides in Tasmanian
forests.
Some of the studies linking chemicals with NH lymphoma included:
US study in National
Cancer Institute Journal in 1987 showed higher risk of lymphoma in
flourmill workers exposed to pesticides.
Study in American
Society for Clinical Oncology in 1994 linked triazines and NH
lymphoma.
Study in American
Journal of Industrial Medicine in 1998 found farmers who used
pesticide lindane had 50 per cent higher rate of NH lymphoma.
US study in 2000
showed higher NH lymphoma risk in children whose mothers had
pesticide exposure in pregnancy.
Dutch study in
American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1993 suggested higher risk
of NH lymphoma in workers exposed to herbicides.
Study in American
Medical Association Journal 1986 showed exposure to herbicides over
20 days a year linked to six-fold rise in NH lymphoma.
Study in American
Association for Cancer Research 1994 found higher rate of NH
lymphoma in workers exposed to herbicides and pesticide.
Study in Cancer 1993
found higher NH lymphoma risk in loggers, sawmillers and pulp-mill
workers.
Increase in mortality
from NH lymphoma in workers exposed to triazines in a study in
American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1996.
However, some studies
have countered the theory:
Study in British
Journal of Industrial Medicine 1991 of foresters exposed to
herbicides found no excess risk of NH lymphoma.
US study in
Journal of Work and Environmental Health 1993 found no atrazine link
to NH lymphoma. 
