Blog Post - 9/22


I researched cancer cluster areas in the United States and found an article from January 22 of 2019 discussing findings from Franklin, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. Franklin and the surrounding areas have had a reported 58 cases of childhood cancer since 2008. The cancer findings have commonly been diagnosed as a rare type of brain or blood cancer. It is believed that the cancer has been caused by underground chemicals being released from “at least one former industrial site that has a history of contamination problems” that is located near where the townspeople live, as well as two local schools. The former industrial site built electrical parts and was found responsible for releasing toxic chemicals in the city’s sewer system by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Tests were conducted to see if the carcinogenic contaminants trichloroethylene (TCE) and Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) were present. Levels of TCE were 252 times the state government’s safe limit and levels of PCE were 53 times the safe limit. Testing began in 1984 and evidence showed contamination in the groundwater and soil around the site and was deemed a “potential hazard” to the population. With evidence of contamination and struggling efforts to solve this issue, the question arises of whether or not this contamination is causing the cancer plaguing Franklin? The chemicals discovered are carcinogenic, but the answer cannot be uncovered because the causes of many types of childhood cancer have not yet been determined. The CDC has not deemed Franklin, Indiana to be home to a cancer cluster because their investigation of the cancer cases reported did not produce results that fulfill their criteria to deem the area a cancer cluster. However, I think the statistics show that Franklin, Indiana is related to a significant amount of childhood cancer (above the national average). I do believe it is important to keep investing the contamination in this area to help to further explain why the childhood cancer rate is as high as it is. I hope that Franklin, Indiana is able to receive the help they need in the near future.

Source: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2019/01/22/childhood-cancer-indiana-suburb-franklin-johnson-county-what-you-need-know/2644663002/

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