Re: Toms River "Cancer Cluster"

["Jerry Cohen" <jjcohen@prodigy.net>]

No need to wait for the completion of current ongoing studies. I can give
you the conclusion now. It will be something to the following effect:

------ "The issues under study were found to be very complex. No definitive
conclusions can be established at this time. Further study of the problem is
recommended" ---


-----Original Message-----
From: Gerald Nicholls <GNICHOLL@dep.state.nj.us>
To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Date: Thursday, August 10, 2000 12:39 PM
Subject: Toms River "Cancer Cluster"


>I would urge those interested in the investigation of the statistically
>significantly increased incidence of childhood cancer in Toms River, NJ
>(Dover Township) to forego debate until the massive federal and state
>investigation, begun in March 1996, is completed.
>
>The lead agency for this investigation is the New Jersey
>Department of Health and Senior Services.  My agency, the NJ
>Department of Environmental Protection provides technical and
>administrative support.  Involved federal agencies include the Agency for
>Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and USEPA.  NJDHSS and
>ATSDR have issued seven public health assessments relating to Toms
>River.  Since March 1996, public meetings have been held virtually every
>month with the citizen's group representing area residents (Citizens
>Action Committee on the Childhood Cancer Cluster).
>
>A case-control epidemiological study of 40 cases matched to 160
>controls and spanning 20 years is being conducted by NJDHSS and
>ATSDR.  A final draft report on the study is anticipated in December
>2001.
>
>On average, water quality in the Toms River area is very good.  Some
>wells, have however, been contaminated by a plume of chemical
>contaminants from one of the Superfund Sites.  In these instances,
>treatment systems have been installed to remove Safe Drinking Water
>Act contaminants and one contaminant unique to this site (styrene
>acryolnitrile trimer).  A toxicological study of the trimer is being
conducted
>by USEPA with funding support from the responsible party.
>Outside my office are more than 200 3-inch 3-ring binders containing
>analytical data on water quality in the area.  Water monitoring is
>continuing.
>
>Oyster Creek is approximately 10 miles south of Toms River, at the edge
>of the EPZ.  Areas in between Oyster Creek and Toms River do not
>show an increased risk of childhood cancer. NJDEP monitors air, water,
>sediment and food stuffs from the area using pressurized ion chambers,
>TLDs and environmental samples.
>
>Two Superfund Sites in the area are being extensively investigated.
>Rutgers University researchers are evaluating retrospective air
>exposure pathways for chemicals and radiological contaminants  via
>dispersion modeling collection of attic dust.  Oyster Creek has provided
>them with met data.
>
>Union Carbide and Ciba Geigy, the responsible parties for the two
>Superfund Sites, are cooperating in the investigation.
>
>
>I have left out many of the details but my point is that it is premature to
>extensively debate the possible results of an investigation this large in
>scope well in advance of its completion.   If anyone would like any
>further information, please call or e-mail me.
>
>Gerald Nicholls
>New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
>609-633-7964
>gnicholl@dep.state.nj.us
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