THEACREAGE, FL – Questions and health concerns remain in The Acreage dueto stories of children and adults coping brain tumors.
Now thePalm Beach County Health Department says it’s looking at all cancerswith a focus on brain and central nervous system cancers to see ifthere is a cluster.
US Senator Bill Nelson asked for the Feds toget involved. But, now the Palm Beach County Health Department istaking the investigative lead.
Senator Nelson says it’s not rocket science.
Dr. Alina Alonso, Acting Director of the PBC Health Department, says, "It's much more difficult than rocket science."
Dr.Alonso says the goal is simple: to find out if there is a cancercluster in The Acreage. The process is more difficult. The firstreports all targeted brain tumors, malignant and benign. Dr. Alonsosays it’s time to examine the Florida Cancer Data System.
Shesays, "If you want to get into an investigation that gets into thecancer versus the tumors and really analyze it and come with a commondenominator you have to do that carefully and thoroughly."
She says if there is a cluster everything will be looked at as a possible trigger: water, power lines, nearby businesses.
Youmay remember two former FWC workers brought up a concern about Prattand Whitney and some barrels found on the property line. Dr. Alonsosays the state is tracking that site and has for decades. She says thatis a good thing.
"There is still cause for concern that's what Imean but we are still monitoring the site and we know what's in it,”says Dr. Alonso.
A Pratt and Whitney spokesperson is standing bya statement released last week. It says, “We are aware of no connectionto Pratt and Whitney and we have not been contacted by the state. Prattand Whitney has a comprehensive environmental health and safety programto ensure our employees and community are safe. It’s the company’s #1priority to operate in a safe, environmentally responsible manner.”
The PalmBeach County Health Department has also set-up a portion of its website to collect information and provide information about TheAcreage. It is also planning a meeting for July 30th to update thecommunity.
Palm Beach County Health Department: http://www.pbchd.com/
