A multi-center U.S. case-control study of benign and malignant brain tumors is addressing a variety of possible risk factors for these poorly understood tumors. To date, this study has shown no evidence of an association with use of cellular telephones, which emit radiofrequency radiation, nor with exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) from electrical appliances used in the home. Employment in several occupations was associated with these tumors. These observations have been followed in detailed studies of the possible role of specific exposures, including solvents, lead, pesticides, and EMF. One such investigation suggested a gene-environment interaction involving occupational exposure to lead and risk of meningioma that depended on a polymorphism in the gene (ALAD) that influences the toxicokinetics of lead.
No associations were observed for occupational exposure to insecticides or herbicides, nor for use of hair dyes, which contain aromatic amines. However, a history of allergies or autoimmune diseases, age at menarche and age at first live birth were associated with risk of glioma. Studies of self-reported family history and brain tumor risk indicated increased risk of glioma in persons with a first degree relative with stomach cancer, prostate cancer or Hodgkin lymphoma.
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Radiation Epidemiology Branch - Research Areas
Related study: Genetic Susceptibility and Brain Tumors