After all kinds of expensive sampling was performed, no source was found in the California case. Neighbors have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to perform another study, which is again underway. In the early 1990s, another New Jersey community reported that 61 children had various forms of cancer. Investigations to determine whether a single cause exists are still being conducted. So far, once again, it is still unclear whether the New Jersey cases have a common source, or are just another statistical abnormality.
Nobody wants to minimize the pain, frustration and anxiety associated with a serious illness.
And emotions run high when several persons in close proximity appear to become stricken by the same disease. As of now, however, it appears that many reported disease clusters may be nothing more than statistical abnormalities, and not indicators of a common toxic threat. The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice. Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc. , will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.