Swedish scientists have identified agricultural and baking occupations, among others, as having excess risk for multiple myeloma , which they attributed to high exposure of chemicals and sensitizing agents. Although several risk factors (including male gender, age, and African-American ethnicity) had been previously established, no environmental risk factors had been identified.

Nearly three …

A recent study has linked a chemical called 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) to an increased chance of developing multiple myeloma.

MBT has a variety of uses, but it is most commonly used to speed up the process of rubber production. It is considered a high volume chemical in the United States, as over one million pounds of it are produced in the country each year. Previous research had cited this chemical as a possible carcinogen.

This particular study, conducted by the University of Birmingham, examined death rates and cancer diagnoses in former…

On May 12 the National Cancer Institute published an updated report on its ongoing study of industrial workers with high formaldehyde exposure. The findings indicate a possible link between high formaldehyde exposure and increased risk of cancers of the blood and lymphatic system, most notably Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myeloid leukemia.

“The overall patterns of risk seen in this extended follow-up of industrial workers, while not definitive, are consistent with a causal association between formaldehyde exposure and cancers of the blood and lymphatic system and warrant continued concern,” said…

A study in Italy found that long-term exposure to benzene and other industrial solvents may increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma. The highest risk for myeloma was found in patients with 15 or more years of benzene exposure.

Benzene, a known carcinogen, enters the body through the skin, lungs, or digestive tract.  This industrial solvent is currently used in the manufacture of dyes, synthetic rubber, plastic, and drugs.

Out of 43 patients, who had long-term, medium to high exposure to benzene, 19 had multiple myeloma. Symptoms…

The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2009, 20,580 people in the United States will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The lifetime risk for developing multiple myeloma is 1 in 161, or 0.62 percent.

Although scientists and doctors do not know the exact causes of multiple myeloma, doctors do know some risk factors that make people more likely to develop multiple myeloma. However, many people who have more than one of these identified risk factors do not get the disease, and many people who get the disease do not display…