the rate of lymphoma morbidity or
mortality was higher than that for all neoplasms. A
substantial healthy-worker effect was evident in many of
the studies and a comprehensive reevaluation of these
studies with appropriate adjustments should be undertaken.
Numerous studies have also reported associations between
benzene exposure and the induction of lymphomas in mice.
Further, because benzene is similar to alkylating drugs and
radiation in producing leukemia, it is plausible that it might
also produce lymphoma as they do and by similar mechanisms.
Potential mechanisms include immunotoxicity and
the induction of double-strand breaks with subsequent
chromosome damage resulting in translocations and deletions.
We conclude that, overall, the evidence supports an
association between occupational benzene exposure and
NHL. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(3):385 – 91)