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Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Group 1 as carcinogenic to human, based on sufficient evidence in humans of an increased risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma and limited evidence for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However present findings on the association of PCB exposure and NHL are still controversial. This study examined the relationship between PCB serum levels and risk of NHL in a Northern Italy area (Brescia province), where a chemical factory produced PCBs from 1938 to 1984, causing human contamination. A case–control study of 215 NHL patients and 215 control subjects was conducted. Cases and controls were assayed for serum levels of 33 PCB congeners. No associations were found between risk of NHL and serum levels of total PCBs (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.25–1.04 for highest vs lowest quartile) or specific PCB congeners. The study confirmed a strong association of NHL with HCV infection (OR = 3.60; 95% CI: 1.30–10.02). This case-control study does not support the hypothesis of an association between current serum levels of PCBs and NHL development in the general population. • No association between current serum levels of PCBs and NHL development in the general population. • Association of NHL with HCV was confirmed. • The present is one of the largest study to examine the relationship between individual PCB levels and risk of NHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]