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Introduction to Multiple Myeloma
Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma
The exact cause of multiple myeloma (MM) remains unknown. It appears, however, that exposure to certain chemicals or radiation may play a role in the development of multiple myeloma in predisposed individuals.
Some occupational or environmental risk factors for multiple myeloma may include:
Occupation exposures: (with the exception of the nuclear industry, most of these associations are weak and unproven)
- nuclear industry
- sheet metal industry
- agriculture (herbicides and fertilizers, especially DDT)
- wood dust
- leather tanning
Other possible exposure risk factors include:
- formaldehyde
- benzene
- hair dye
- spray paint
- asbestos
