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Cancer Concerns Rise Around Coldwater Creek

In the aftermath of World War II, radioactive waste was discarded near Coldwater Creek in St. Louis, Missouri, leading to growing fears about health implications in the community. Kim Visintine’s experience as a mother exemplifies these concerns; after her infant son, Zack, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, she began to delve into research, feeling the weight of parental helplessness as her child fought a disease the doctors described as extraordinarily rare.

“Doctors were shocked,” Kim recalls. “We were told that his illness was one in a million. Other parents were learning to change diapers, but I was learning to change chemotherapy ports and IVs.” Despite undergoing treatment, Zack, who had glioblastoma multiforme—an unusual brain tumor for a child, typically found in older adults—tragically succumbed at just six years old.

As Kim reflected on her loss years later, she pondered whether other families shared similar fates due to circumstances surrounding Coldwater Creek. This prompted deep-seated anxieties among residents who suspect that exposure to radiation linked to atomic bomb development may have resulted in elevated cancer rates in the area.

The situation has been compounded by the expiration of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which had previously provided financial compensation to individuals diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses linked to radiation exposure from atomic activities. Unfortunately, this act lapsed without extension to the St. Louis area, leaving many without recourse. Since its inception, RECA had disbursed $2.6 billion to over 41,000 claimants across the US, particularly impacting regions like New Mexico, where nuclear testing first occurred.

Historical evidence shows that St. Louis played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project, involved in uranium refinement and atomic bomb production. The cleanup of the hazardous waste dumped near Coldwater Creek is an ongoing process that is not expected to conclude until 2038, even as local health concerns continue to grow.

Residents such as Karen Nickel vividly recall the idyllic childhood spent near Coldwater Creek, where she enjoyed simple pleasures like fishing and playing. However, the stark reality of their current situation paints a different picture. “Fifteen people from the street I grew up on have died from rare cancers,” she expresses. Karen shares that every household in her neighborhood has been touched by illness, highlighting the pervasive fear among locals.

This pattern of serious health issues has caused increasing alarm. For instance, Karen’s sister suffered ovarian complications at a young age, while her granddaughter faced similar challenges. In response to these growing concerns, Karen co-founded Just Moms STL, a grassroots organization focused on advocating for community health and thorough cleanup efforts in the area. “We receive messages daily from people suffering illnesses, seeking answers about potential radiation exposure,” she explains.

Further complicating the issue, Teresa Rumfelt, who lived close to Coldwater Creek, witnessed numerous animals succumb to cancer. Her sister, diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), raises questions about potential links between environmental factors and severe health conditions, though this connection remains largely unproven. “I think it was the worst disease ever,” she laments, recalling her sister’s struggle and the impact of such diseases on families.

The calls for government support and expanded compensation are echoed by local advocates, including Senator Josh Hawley, who has engaged with federal authorities to address the needs of this affected community. Many residents desire not only compensation but also thorough health screenings and scientific studies to explore the full spectrum of illnesses potentially arising from historical contamination.

In a response to mounting concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated its commitment to addressing the hazardous consequences from the Manhattan Project’s waste. Despite these assurances, doubts linger among locals regarding the sufficiency of protective measures and public health communication.

Healthcare professionals like Dr. Gautum Agarwal, a cancer surgeon, acknowledge the disturbing trends among his patients, many of whom come from the vicinity of Coldwater Creek. While individual cases may not reflect a significant statistical anomaly, the frequency of cancer among neighborhoods has raised alarm, prompting him to recommend screenings for families living near the site. Dr. Agarwal expresses hope for advancements in cancer detection and clarity on potential health risks for residents.

Conversely, some experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions without substantial evidence. Roger Lewis, a professor of environmental health, emphasizes that while the community fears cancer due to historical contamination, available data do not support overwhelming evidence of increased risk. He advocates for open communication from authorities to ease community concerns.

Despite mixed opinions among professionals, the community remains on edge. Kim Visintine summarizes the collective sentiment: “In our community, it feels almost inevitable that we all expect to face some illness or cancer eventually. There’s a pervasive sense of resignation among us, akin to waiting for the inevitable.”

Source
www.bbc.com