Key clinical point: Long-term exposure to brominated trihalomethanes (THM) in drinking water and swimming pool water is associated with increased odds of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Major finding: The odds of developing CLL increased by 22% for every 10 μg/L increase in the level of brominated THM in drinking water (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22; 95% CI 1.14-1.31). Swimming pool users vs non-users (swimming pool attendance ≥ 10 times vs < 10 times in life) had significantly increased odds of CLL (aOR 2.38; 95% CI 1.61-3.52).
Study details: This multicentric multicase-control study included 170 patients with CLL (age 20-85 years) and 1442 matched population-based control individuals without CLL.
Disclosures: This study was funded by European Commission grants and others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Donat-Vargas C et al. Lifetime exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water and swimming pool attendance are associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A multicase-control study in Spain (MCC-Spain). J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2023 (Sep 19). doi: 10.1038/s41370-023-00600-7