Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: determinants of residential carpet dust levels and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract

Purpose To investigate the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) associated with residential carpet dust measurements of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Methods We evaluated the relationship between residential carpet dust PAH concentrations (benz(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, and indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene, and their sum) and risk of NHL (676 cases, 511 controls) in the National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results multicenter case–control study. As a secondary aim, we investigated determinants of dust PAH concentrations. We computed odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) for associations between NHL and concentrations of individual and summed PAHs using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, and study center. Determinants of natural log-transformed PAHs were investigated using multivariate least-squares regression. Results We observed some elevated risks for NHL overall and B cell lymphoma subtypes in association with quartiles or tertiles of PAH concentrations, but without a monotonic trend, and there was no association comparing the highest quartile or tertile to the lowest. In contrast, risk of T cell lymphoma was significantly increased among participants with the highest tertile of summed PAHs (OR = 3.04; 95 % CI, 1.09–8.47) and benzo(k)fluoranthene (OR = 3.20; 95 % CI, 1.13–9.11) compared with the lowest tertile. Predictors of PAH dust concentrations in homes included ambient air PAH concentrations and the proportion of developed land within 2 km of a residence. Older age, more years of education, and white race were also predictive of higher levels in homes. Conclusion Our results suggest a potential link between PAH exposure and risk of T cell lymphoma and demonstrate the importance of analyzing risk by NHL histologic type.

Benzo[a]pyrene-induced DNA damage associated with mutagenesis in primary human activated T lymphocytes

“…Indeed, one may speculate that exposure to these carcinogenic contaminants, may contribute to exacerbated DNA alterations during an immune response. Altogether, these data indicate that primary activated human T lymphocytes appear to be a major cell type targeted by PAHs reinforcing thus the link suggested between PAH exposure and risk of T lymphoma [8] In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the metabolic efficiency of primary human activated T lymphocytes towards contaminants such as B[a]P to form specific DNA damage and increase mutation frequency, proposing them as a good model to analyse human health issues depending on the environment.…”

“…PAHs are ubiquitous environmental contaminants exerting various toxic effects, mainly associated with AhR activation and the subsequent induction of CYP1-metabolizing enzymes [3]. Although several studies suggested a possible link between exposure to PAHs and the risk of T cell lymphoma [8], their exact role to the development of lymphoma remains unclear. Recently, we have reported an up-regulation of the AhR by the physiologically relevant T-cell stimulation approach by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies in primary human lymphocytes [15].…”

“…Thus, emphasis has been placed on the DNA-damaging properties of B[a]P, the only one PAH classified as carcinogenic to humans for lung, skin and bladder tumours by the International Agency of Research on Cancer [6]. In addition, B[a]P induces cancer development in lymphoid tissue and hematopoietic compartment in animals [7], and some epidemiological studies have suggested a potential role of B[a]P in the development of lymphomas in humans [8].…”

Domestic Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in a Houston, Texas, Environmental Justice Neighborhood

“…Although prior research has quantified levels of exposure and subsequent potential health implications of PAHs in many occupational settings (Bosetti, Boffetta, and La Vecchia 2007; Langlois et al 2013; Lupo et al 2012; O’Brien et al 2016), more information is needed to quantify domestic exposures and their potential health impacts (DellaVale et al 2016; Deziel et al 2014; Kang et al 2015; Kim, Jahan, Kabir, and Brown 2013; Kuo, Hsu, and Lee 2003). Settled dust and particulate matter within homes can be an important exposure route for individuals, in general, and children, in particular.…”

“…Chronic exposure in adults has been linked to the development of breast, lung, gastrointestinal, and bladder cancers (Armstrong, Hutchinson, Unwin, and Fletcher 2004; Bosetti et al 2007; Mastrangelo, Fadda, and Marzia 1996; Mordukhovich et al 2016; Zhang et al 2016). Although the majority of studies investigating PAH-associated cancers have focused on occupational exposures (Bosetti et al 2007), a growing body of evidence has highlighted the need for additional research in residential settings (DellaVale et al 2016; Deziel et al 2014; Kang et al 2015). …”