Local Creek May Have Caused Cancer
Article Added April 10th, 2007 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
A creek in Washington State may be the reasoning behind an outbreak of asbestos-related cancer cases. Over the last few years, six new cases of mesothelioma have been reported in the area. Whatcom Creek normally only posed one threat to residents, and that was the yearly flooding that took place. But officials are now thinking that the Washington State creek may be responsible for six new cases of mesothelioma, a form of cancer that is linked with asbestos exposure. The creek is dredged yearly to keep the creek from flooding residential areas; the dredged material is often deposited in town, where people can come and use it for filler dirt or to make foundations for paving. Officials now think that the dredged material may contain asbestos, but are not yet sure if it is naturally occurring from the mountain runoff or matter that has been introduced by people. When people are exposed to asbestos, the fibers that make up the material can be breathed into the lungs. This can lead to mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis and emphysema. The reports are dated from 1992 to 2004, so it is not yet known if more than the six documented cases exist.
Article Added April 10th, 2007 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
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