In a small rural Ohio town, childhood cancer concerns continue to plague residents, as the EPA investigates a childhood cancer cluster that has affected residents for over 15 years. Since 1996, over thirty six children have been diagnosed with cancer and three have died in the cluster area that only spans about 12 miles.
I was shocked to read an MSNBC story of one parent who had not one child with cancer, but two. Dave Hisey's two children, ages 11 and 12, both suffer from leukemia, though different types. Throughout the years, children have developed a variety of cancers, from brain tumors to blood cancer, like leukemia and lymphoma. Recently, a 7 year old was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of connective tissue cancer.
This week, the EPA is scheduled to test air, soil, and water samples for possible clues in the cluster mystery. The government organization has also set up a tip hotline for callers who may have knowledge about chemical or other hazardous waste dumping in the area. If you have any information, please call 1-855-838-1304.
