Colonia High School: Cancer Fears Debunked

A recent school board meeting stirred up old worries about cancer cases linked to Colonia High School. The New Jersey Department of Health and Rutgers University stepped in to investigate. They found that the cancer rates among graduates and staff were not unusually high. This news came as a relief to many, as fears had been circulating for years. The concerns started when a Colonia High graduate, an environmental scientist, began tracking cancer cases on Facebook. He found around 122 cases among those who attended or worked at the school between 1975 and 1999. The school district responded by asking experts to analyze the data. The results showed that the cancer rates were within the expected range for a similar population. A neurosurgeon from Princeton Medical Center confirmed that there was no increased risk of brain tumors at Colonia High compared to other places. The school district did not stop there. They conducted extensive radiation testing on the school grounds in 2022. The tests found no radiation or radon. The district also involved the New Jersey Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection. The mayor even allocated funds to ensure thorough testing. The experts agreed that if there was an environmental cause for the brain tumors, it would likely be ionizing radiation. Since none was found, the case was considered closed in the spring of 2022.However, in the fall of 2022, a parent secretly took samples of caulk and soil from outside the school. These samples tested positive for PCBs and historic pesticides. These chemicals were commonly used in construction materials from the 1970s. The district then re-hired T&M Associates to work with the NJ DEP and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. They are now determining the extent of the PCBs and pesticides in the soil around the high school. It is important to note that while the cancer rates are not unusually high, the presence of PCBs and pesticides is a concern. These chemicals can have long-term health effects, and their presence in the soil warrants further investigation. The school district is taking steps to address this issue, but it is crucial for the community to stay informed and involved. The situation at Colonia High School highlights the importance of thorough investigation and transparency. It also underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and community engagement in addressing health concerns related to schools and other public spaces.