Asbestos Exposure and Leukemia Incidence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background/aim: Asbestos comprises six naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their health risks, particularly in occupational settings. This systematic review evaluates the association between asbestos exposure and leukemia incidence, synthesizing findings from various studies.

Materials and methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Studies included participants exposed to asbestos compared to matched controls, focusing on leukemia incidence. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: A total of 1,751,580 participants were included, with 257,572 (14.7%) exposed to asbestos. The incidence of leukemia varied across studies, ranging from 0.02% to 0.45%. Meta-analysis revealed an overall risk ratio of 1.25 (95% confidence interval=0.81-1.94) with significant heterogeneity (I²=86%), indicating no statistically significant difference between exposed and non-exposed cohorts.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the complexity of the relationship between asbestos exposure and leukemia, influenced by factors such as exposure type, duration, and confounding variables like smoking. While some studies suggest a potential link, the evidence remains inconclusive, necessitating further research. This review underscores the need for high-quality studies to clarify the association between asbestos and leukemia, informing public health policies to reduce exposure risks and protect vulnerable populations.