Susan Smith-Harmon
Former residents question state health finding on Coldwater Creek cancers
Thursday, 21 March 2013 04:47 Published in Local News
Radiation exposure from Coldwater Creek isn't responsible for increased cancer rates among north county residents. That's according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services which released the results of a study yesterday.
State epidemiologists studied the incidence and death rates of 27 types of cancer in six ZIP codes along the creek, but found that rates of the two cancer types most commonly caused by radiation exposure - leukemias and thyroid tumors - were the same or lower than would have been expected.
Former north county residents say the study was incomplete, because it didn't count cancer victims who had moved away from the area before getting sick.
Coldwater Creek had been contaminated by nuclear waste after World War II.
State epidemiologists studied the incidence and death rates of 27 types of cancer in six ZIP codes along the creek, but found that rates of the two cancer types most commonly caused by radiation exposure - leukemias and thyroid tumors - were the same or lower than would have been expected.
Former north county residents say the study was incomplete, because it didn't count cancer victims who had moved away from the area before getting sick.
Coldwater Creek had been contaminated by nuclear waste after World War II.
A group of residents worried about health issues from a foul odor a suing the owners of a Bridgeton landfill.
The action follows testing by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources that showed elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air. The noxious compound can cause headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, and even breathing trouble.
But a representative for the company that owns the landfill, Republic Services, denies any danger. Republic officials say EPA and DNR testing show the odor presents no risk to the public.
A report on the DNR website says the levels of hydrogen sulfide are high enough to warrant monitoring and would pose a health risk if they intensify further.
The action follows testing by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources that showed elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air. The noxious compound can cause headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, and even breathing trouble.
But a representative for the company that owns the landfill, Republic Services, denies any danger. Republic officials say EPA and DNR testing show the odor presents no risk to the public.
A report on the DNR website says the levels of hydrogen sulfide are high enough to warrant monitoring and would pose a health risk if they intensify further.
The Ellisville City Council won't hold an impeachment hearing for suspended Mayor Adam Paul until they night before the next city election is held. The Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to push back the hearing until April 1.
Mayor Pro Tem Matt Pirrello told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Paul's attorney had asked for the extra five days in order to prepare his defense.
The council had suspended Paul February 27 on charges that he violated the city's charter. Paul has maintained that the action stemmed from his vigorous opposition to a controversial tax increment financing for a Walmart development.
Three city council seats will be decided in the April 2nd election.
Also last night, the City Council rejected tax incentives for a second proposed development from Sansone Group. The developer had already won a TIF for a Walmart project.
Mayor Pro Tem Matt Pirrello told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Paul's attorney had asked for the extra five days in order to prepare his defense.
The council had suspended Paul February 27 on charges that he violated the city's charter. Paul has maintained that the action stemmed from his vigorous opposition to a controversial tax increment financing for a Walmart development.
Three city council seats will be decided in the April 2nd election.
Also last night, the City Council rejected tax incentives for a second proposed development from Sansone Group. The developer had already won a TIF for a Walmart project.
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