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We analyzed risk associated with exposure to pesticides and contact with livestock in 277 multiple myeloma (MM) cases and 2434 controls who participated in the multicentre European EPILYMPH study. Ever exposure to organic pesticides or contact with any species of livestock was not associated with an increase in risk of MM. However, risk associated with ever exposure to pesticides was elevated after adjusting for contact with sheep (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.3). The finding of an excess risk associated with ever exposure to any pesticides after adjusting for contact with breeding animals is most likely due to chance.

European case-control study evaluates occupational risk of multiple myeloma (MM) in 277MM cases and 1108 matched controls, using logistic regression analysis and adjusting by age, gender, study centre and education. An increase in MM risk was observed for general farmers, cleaners, telephone and radio operators, and printers. Pesticide exposure lasting ten years or more, but not exposure to solvents, was also associated with an elevated MM risk (OR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.01-2.58). Our results confirm an association of multiple myeloma with farm work, and particularly with prolonged exposure to pesticides.