Several risk factors can increase your risk of developing multiple myeloma. One possible risk factor is occupational exposure, which means exposure to chemicals in your workplace. People in certain jobs or those with toxic chemicals may have a higher chance of developing multiple myeloma.

However, being exposed to these chemicals doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop myeloma or any other type of cancer. Most people who work with toxic chemicals will not be diagnosed with cancer. However, it’s important to know the risks of working with certain chemicals.

Chemicals and Cancer

Cancer develops when changes in a cell’s genes cause it to behave abnormally. Cancer cells divide too quickly, resist death, and struggle to heal damage.

Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell found in your bone marrow. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells develop gene mutations (changes), turning into cancerous myeloma cells. These cancer cells form tumors in your bones, which can interfere with your body’s ability to make healthy blood cells.

Exposure to certain chemicals can increase the chances that a cell’s genes will mutate. While some chemicals are harmless, others are carcinogens (substances that can damage healthy cells and make them cancerous).

Types of Chemicals That Could Increase Risk

Cancer research studies have shown that some chemicals may be linked to a higher risk of multiple myeloma. People who have been exposed to high levels of these substances may have a higher risk of multiple myeloma.

Pesticides

One study found that people who worked on farms for over 10 years were twice as likely to develop myeloma. Researchers think this may be linked to pesticides — chemicals used to kill plant or animal pests. However, more research is needed to confirm this link and understand the exact causes.

Pesticides include:

• Herbicides — Chemicals that kill weeds and other types of unwanted plants
• Fungicides — Chemicals that remove mildew and mold
• Insecticides — Chemicals that kill insects
• Rodenticides (rat poison) — Chemicals that eliminate rats and mice

Studies show that long-term pesticide exposure may lead to a higher risk of myeloma. People who have limited contact with pesticides may have a lower risk.

Agent Orange

Agent Orange is a type of herbicide. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military sprayed large amounts of Agent Orange to destroy crops and trees. Many veterans who served in this war were exposed to Agent Orange. They may have breathed it in, touched it, or eaten contaminated foods and drinks.

Agent Orange has been linked to several types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and soft tissue sarcoma, as well as myeloma.

Agent Orange exposure can also lead to plasma cell disorders, including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS is a precancerous condition in which your plasma cells develop abnormalities and produce high levels of the (abnormal) M protein.

In one study, researchers found these links between Agent Orange and MGUS:

• About 7 percent of Vietnam veterans who worked directly with Agent Orange developed MGUS.
• About 3 percent of Vietnam veterans who didn’t work with Agent Orange developed MGUS.

It’s important to note that the study focused on Vietnam veterans, not farmers, and did not directly link farming or pesticide use to myeloma. However, MGUS can eventually turn into multiple myeloma.

Each year, about 1 percent of people with MGUS are diagnosed with myeloma. Those with MGUS who have been exposed to Agent Orange are more than 11 times more likely to develop myeloma.

Among those who were exposed to Agent Orange between 1962 and 1965, the risk of progressing from MGUS to myeloma was 48 percent higher compared to those not exposed. This increase is partly due to the stronger chemicals used in Agent Orange during that period.

Veterans who served in Vietnam (or in other areas where the herbicide was used, including Korea or Thailand), can receive certain benefits. The Agent Orange Registry provides no-cost exams and testing for people who were exposed. The U.S. government also offers disability payments to veterans who develop certain cancers, including myeloma, from Agent Orange exposure.

Glyphosate

Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide in the U.S. It’s found in weed control products such as Roundup. Farms often use Roundup to kill weeds, especially around genetically modified crops.

Some studies in humans and in mice have found a link between multiple myeloma and glyphosate. However, other research disagrees. In those studies, people exposed to glyphosate developed myeloma at similar rates to people in the general population. Experts don’t yet agree on whether glyphosate is a myeloma risk factor.

Benzene

Benzene is a common chemical used for manufacturing. It’s often used to produce products like plastics, detergents, dyes, and drugs. This chemical is a clear or light yellow liquid with a sweet smell.

Benzene is also produced naturally during certain natural events like forest fires. It’s also found in cigarette smoke, crude oil, and vehicle exhaust.

Benzene is known to be a risk factor for several types of blood cancers. These include:

• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Researchers have also linked benzene to multiple myeloma. People who work with benzene are more than twice as likely to develop myeloma than people in the general population.

Chlorinated Solvents

Chlorinated solvents are chemicals that contain chlorine. They may be used to make plastics, perfumes, and lacquers, and are often used to clean metals.

Researchers have found that people who come into contact with chlorinated solvents are at a higher risk of developing myeloma. These solvents include:

• 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA)
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Methylene chloride (DCM)
• Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Other Chemicals That May Be Linked to Myeloma

Additional studies have found that other work-related chemicals may also increase myeloma risk. These include:

• Toluene — A solvent that may be used in the production of oils, resins, paints, and coatings
• Permanent black hair dye — Chemicals used to change hair color to black
• Ethylbenzene — A solvent used to produce ink or pesticides, and as an additive in aviation fuel or gasoline
• Xylene — A chemical used in industries like leather, printing, and rubber
• Asbestos — A mineral found in rocks that’s been used in the construction and boat repair industries

More studies are needed to understand whether these and other chemicals are directly linked to myeloma risk.

Jobs That Increase Myeloma Risk

People who work in industries with these chemicals might have a higher chance of developing myeloma than people whose jobs don’t involve these substances. Several studies have found that certain jobs may lead to an elevated risk of myeloma. These include:

• Farmers, gardeners, and nursery workers
• Forestry workers
• Chemical plant workers
• People who work with crude oil
• Gas station employees
• Rubber industry workers
• Workers in factories that make plastics, shoes, dyes, detergents, lubricants, drugs, or pesticides
• Steel and metal workers
• Stone cutters and carvers
• Woodworkers or furniture makers
• Printers and people who work in paper production
• Cleaners
• Laboratory technicians
• Firefighters
• Bakers and pastry cooks
• Dental technicians
• Hairdressers

Other Job-Related Myeloma Risk Factors

Even if you’re not exposed to chemicals at work, you may face other myeloma risk factors at your workplace. For instance, being exposed to radiation may lead to a higher incidence of developing myeloma.

In addition, some studies have linked working the night shift to a higher myeloma risk. Jobs that require you to be in the sun for a long time may also increase the risk of developing myeloma.

Preventing Multiple Myeloma

If you work with chemicals, it’s important to take steps to reduce your exposure. Follow occupational safety guidelines at work and use personal protective equipment (PPE). This can help keep chemicals from touching your skin and may reduce the amount of chemical vapors you breathe in.

Cancer Screening

Cancer screening tests are used to find early signs of cancer in people who don’t have symptoms. However, doctors don’t usually screen for multiple myeloma, partially because it’s rare, even for people with myeloma risk factors.

Knowing the Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Being aware of the symptoms of myeloma can help catch it early. Let your doctor know if you’ve been exposed to chemicals or have other myeloma risk factors. Also tell them if you notice any health changes or symptoms that might be related to myeloma.

Symptoms of myeloma may include:

• Bone pain, or pain in the spine or chest
• Frequent broken bones
• Weakness in the limbs
• Breathing problems
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Frequent infections
• Bleeding problems
• Easy bruising

If you’re concerned about your job and occupational risk factors for myeloma, talk to a hematology specialist or another doctor. They can help you understand your risks.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMyelomaTeam, the social network for people with multiple myeloma and their loved ones, 27,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with myeloma.

Are you worried about health risks from workplace chemicals? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.