Middlesex County's Colonia High School, located in Woodbridge, has made national headlines in recent weeks after over 100 former students and facultywere found to have been diagnosed with rare brain tumors. "I wasn't happy and I knew that they didn't do enough sampling, didn't test soil, groundwater tests for PCBs," Komorek said. Lupiano has been posting lengthy updates to his Facebook page: 4/11 UPDATE: 100as of midnight Sunday 4/10, I recorded the 100th case of someone having a primary brain tumor. My wife and I have known each other since meeting in grade school (Lynn Crest). But Mr. Lupiano said he ultimately hopes one way or another to be assured that all is as it should be. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. New Jersey dad fights to have daughter returned to the U.S. NJ state budget delivers another crushing blow to residents (Opinion), Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and EEO Report. The site received uranium, thorium and beryllium ores from the 1940s until 1967, at which time the facility was decontaminated to the standards in effect at the time. 89. Market data provided by Factset. Dozens of former teachers and students have . In the '90s, the high school had another scare, this time on a much smaller scale that was ultimately ruled out as a possible concern. All rights reserved. About one in three people will develop cancer over a lifetime, and one in five will die from it. 100 stories of shock and disbelief with the diagnosis. More than 200 people have signed an online petition demanding a public meeting with state officials in New Jersey and federal authorities over concerns about a medical mystery at a high school following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors. r indicating there were no radiological hazards at Colonia High School, Some in Colonia not satisfied after no radiological hazards found at school, developed a list of more than 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school from the 1970s to 1990s who have apparently developed brain tumors, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. World News Posted by Amit Chaturvedi Updated: April 15, 2022 12:33 pm IST. The incident rate for GBM is approximately 30 out of 1,000,000 people. Something is wrong here, he said. In April, Colonia High School in Colonia, New Jersey, made national headlines after more than 100 former students and staff reported online that they had been diagnosed with brain tumors, in a . Cancer does not awaken all at once. All the testing, both by Komorek and the district, came after 108 people from over a period of three decades ending in the early 2000s who attended the school were diagnosed with brain tumors. Lupiano promised his dying sister to dig for the root of the brain cancers apparently linked to the high school. It confers such chaos into the people who are affected by it.. Any opinions expressed are his own. What happened in Woodbridge illustrates the need for these changes, especially those aimed at bolstering the relationship between a concerned community and the public health experts facing the difficult task of investigating a suspected cluster. "The results we have is not something the Department of Health, or DEP, or anyone, can rely on. Ive also started a sublist of what I am classifying as cases of interest due to several anomalies. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Al Lupiano, a 1989 Colonia High School graduate, has developed a list of nearly 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school who have developed brain tumors.Lupiano's . Rich Strack, who taught English and philosophy at Colonia for about 30 years, likened the situation to a dark cloud hanging over the school. As first reported on New Jersey 101.5, Al Lupiano, a former Colonia High School student, was the one responsiblefor linking the people together. Trinity was led by Mike Bednostin who had a game-high 24 points. Nguyn Tri High School. Why hasnt anyone confirmed Mr. Lupianos list, in order to have an official tally to compare with the official estimate? (Gosselin Funeral Home) In August 2021, DeCillis received . The Department of Health responded to the incident saying: We learned that one of the school's science teachers was demonstrating the use of a geiger counter (along with an accompanying sample of a low level radioactive source) as part of a science class lesson earlier that day. While I dont know for sure if they are related, being graduates of the High School, living next to the HS, and/or having rare cancers is something I feel needs to be explored further. Al Lupiano, a former Colonia High School student, Pop-punk band New Found Glory playing rare performance near NJ, The cast of Home Improvement what they look like now, Bristol Palin on the mend after 9th breast augmentation, There is now a 24-hour Rocky TV channel, Gisele Bundchens post-Tom Brady magazine cover fuels satanic panic, These Speciale meatballs named best balls in New Jersey, Reward yourself! "Im not sure what they will propose, but I hope this is going to include comprehensive soil, ground, water (testing)," she said. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This is 18 hours a day. "So if that's the case, that could explain why we have pockets of these rare cancers all over Woodbridge Township.". The Township of Woodbridge took the lead in the investigation, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for testing at a school that graduated roughly 15,000 people over the last 30 years. Federal investigations take place: An investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency is being done to determine whether these 100-plus cases are a cancer cluster, or simply a coincidence, Fox News reported. "That was a red flag," said Komorek who also collected a caulk sample from outside the school and soil samples, both of which also came back for PCBs. In the meantime, the investigation continues. Why Al Lupiano raised alarm over Colonia HS cancer links, Is it a cancer cluster or a coincidence? We need an investigation! Our children and Colonia High School staff deserve more involvement of the State and Federal agencies. Ms. Renault is a health and science journalist. Keep the information coming! And the soil was right below where the caulking is.". Further explanation of what occurred at that high school over these decades of people being in the building," Lupiano said. I have requested a discussion with the Department of Health, and if need be, we can involve the Federal agencies. Even before Mr. Lupianos list had reached 100 people, it had drawn the attention of local and national news media and had catalyzed public officials to act. The victims all went to Colonia High School in Woodbridge in New Jersey . A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. A New Jersey town is planning to conduct environmental testing at Colonia High School after a resident discovered dozens of people connected to the school had developed rare brain tumors. "To me their health is the most important thing.". Al Lupiano, speaking to CBS2, said the rare brain tumors were discovered in people who attended Colonia High School. But where did the exposure come from? Because the school remains open, we demand greater urgency to find out if potentially harmful substances are harming our children and staff at Colonia High School.". He was raised in Thornton, CO and moved to Liberal, Kansas where he married and had two girls, Chelsey and Amber. This is an urgent call for actionI have two leads I am exploring on what may have caused this, but I need your help! "They kind of understand," Komorek said, adding her children have to start over with new classes, teachers and schoolmates. A consultant will be testing the grounds at Colonia High School, New Jersey, amid concerns that the school is linked to a high rate of rare brain cancers. Why would they include classes as recent as 2021 when we know many cancers take decades or longer to develop? There are PCBs everywhere," he said. While I am thrilled to have the information coming in again, its also very troubling to see the numbers continue to grow. The Middlesex Sampling Plant is located at 239 Mountain Avenue in Middlesex, New Jersey. I'm exhausted. His sister Angela Decillis graduated . The states environmental agency confirmed that the water company which does not use water from ground wells known to be pollution-prone serving the area had not had any violations for radiological contaminants since at least 2004. Thats 100 people with their life forever changed. At the Colonia High School news conference in May, reporters pressed a panel of state experts on the decision not to test water and soil, even if just to reassure concerned community members that there was nothing there. So she took matters into her own hands and found toxic chemicals linked to cancer as well as pesticides at the school. The clients have to pay for the remediation. The facility, which includes several buildings on 9.6 acres, was an entry point for African uranium ores known as pitchblende. Several news agencies have reached out to me and I anticipate the completed articles and interviews will be released shortly. Komorek said sources of PCB in the school could include window, door or sink caulk, floor tile glue, paint, fluorescent light ballasts, expansion joints, concrete and mortar, materials which can emit PCBs into indoor air. So, if not localized exposure, and not something we inhaled or drank, what could be the link? By the time you see a tumor in a mammogram, it may be that that tumor has been growing for six years, said Rachel Morello-Frosch, a professor of public health at the University of California, Berkeley. Cancer-Causing Toxins Found in New Tests at NJ School, Mom Says, Raising Concerns. A high school in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, is being investigated by environmental experts . "We appreciate the NJDOH, NJDEP, ATSDR, and CDC assistance to the Woodbridge Townships environmental investigation that is currently ongoing, but strongly believe that this is not enough," the petition says in seeking the involvement of more state and federal agencies. We are optimistic we will see some action soon. WOODBRIDGE - Results are expected in a few weeks from recent soil and air testing at Colonia High School, following last month's finding of toxic chemicals linked to cancer and pesticides . At the time I was seeking treatment, my oncologist/neurosurgeon was astounded that someone my age (I was 27) had a tumor so large. My wife fought like crazy. 3/29 UPATE: The list has continued to grow, and now stands at 65 individuals. In 1997, the contaminated process building was demolished, and the steel stockpiled for recycling. I dont know if its because they have deemed this to not be news worthy or simply because my requests for help have fallen on deaf ears. Marion Renault is a health and science journalist. So it's not unheard of. Al Lupiano, a graduate of the high school, believes there's a link between Colonia High School and brain tumors diagnosed in 108 people over a period of three decades, ending in the early 2000s. Im working on a big piece for Vice News which will air on their network in a week or two, and the Star Ledger is running a multipage story which should drop this Sunday. High School Lost My Transcript 16 /r/applyingtocollege, 2023-02-20, 17:42:41 Stage IV update 15 /r/pancreaticcancer . Al Lupiano, a graduate of Colonia High School, tells Fox News Digital that since posting his theory about an apparent link between brain tumor diagnoses in 1990s and early 2000s graduates of . And when do you need to check your own biases and take patients concerns more seriously? She went inside the school in August to swipe dust samples from a bathroom, and returned a month later collecting samples outdoors, soil from the ground and caulk from a school window. Why? Theres something there, in Colonia, Mr. Wisinski said. Earlier this year, 1989 Colonia High School graduate Al Lupiano developed a list of more than 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school from the 1970s to 1990s who have . Al Lupiano was diagnosed with a "very rare" and abnormally large brain tumor in 1999 when he was 27 called Acoustic Neuroma. Whatever the city decides to do, Komorek said she hopes it goes beyond the tests they already performed. Hng Vng High School. or redistributed. Potentially contaminated soil had been removed from the Middlesex Borough property over the years,with some of the soil used for construction right around the time of the construction of Colonia High School. How was this possible? Al Lupiano, a Colonia High School graduate is on a mission to answer that question after discovering more than 80 fe. I never in my worst nightmare envisioned ever hitting this milestone. V Trng Ton High School. Based on our information regarding the rock, and the surveys conducted of our staff, we are confident that it is safe for the children to return to school. A Record of Decision (ROD) for Soils was signed September 2005. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. If you are willing, please record a short video on your phone of yourself talking about your issue. Keep it to 30 seconds or less. ", The agencies continued: "The Department of Health will work with the federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to provide an assessment of the potential health effects. Here's What to Know About Bruce Willis' Diagnosis, The Wanted's Tom Parker Dies at 33 After Brain Tumor Battle, Next Winter Storm May Bring Even More Snow to NYC Area This Week: What to Know. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. "[W]e have really solid data on primary brain tumors because of what we learned after World War Two, what we learned after Chernobyl," Lupiano explained. They asked us to do this, and we did it. After meeting with Komorek, Massimino sent a notice to parents Monday about her results from additional environmental testing at the school. I discovered 15 people from our circle of friends and their family members and friends had been diagnosed with brain tumors! People move in and out of town. COLONIA, N.J. - Radiation tests are being done at Colonia High School in New Jersey after more than 100 people were diagnosed with rare brain tumors. This is a high bar to clear. Lupiano, however, says Woodbridge Mayor McCormac is the only government official who has reached out to him for information. The natural world can also pose a threat via volcanic ash or toxin-spewing fungi. "Once again we will work with the school district through our health department and our environmental consultants and make contact with the state Departments of Environmental Protection and Health to help evaluate what we were presented with and decide on a future course of action," said Mayor John E. McCormac. However, overlooked during decontamination were traces of radioactive materials that had been carried offsite over the years by wind and rain to yards of neighboring homes. To report that your child will be absent or late, call the Attendance Hotline: (732) 726-7040 1:07. Im 99.99 percent convinced.. Every inch of Colonia High School, part of the Woodbridge Township School District, from buildings to fields, is being tested for radiation to determine if there is a link between the school and the number of cancer cases diagnosed amongst former students and staff. Even so, these constraints do not relieve public health departments from their duty to do all they can to address their constituents concerns even if they cant deliver definitive answers and even if they are under strain themselves. The Woodbridge School District superintendent at the time then added: Radioactivity is ubiquitous in the environment. Al Lupiano, a graduate of Colonia High School, tells Fox News Digital that since posting his theory about an apparent link between brain tumor diagnoses in 1990s and early 2000s graduates of . Komorek said the superintendent thanked her for her research and said a consultant would have to review her findings. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection building. More than 100 people from the same high school have been diagnosed with brain cancer and it is feared soil contaminated with uranium used in the first atomic bomb made them ill. (Google Maps). NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery apparently linking more than 100 people . There's lots and lots of people calling me, saying, 'Look, I didn't go to the high school, but I live a mile away, and we call our block cancer alley. Image: Unsplash. Why is this alarming? The plant, which has since closed, is about a 30-minute drive from Colonia High School. When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency.". Powered by. In addition the Corps disposed of 33,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil contained within the (MML) pile. In 1998 the Corps of Engineers recycled and disposed of the stockpiled steel. During the freshman orientation for parents, she collected a dust sample inside a bathroom which came back positive for polychlorinated biphenyls also known as PCBs, which have been linked to cancer in humans. By Ed Browne On 4/25/22 at 11:00 AM EDT. Nearly 100 Former Students and Staff From Colonia High School Develop Brain Tumors Please, look at this. We need them to investigate the issue and if possible, deal with the cause. Of the estimated 1,000 suspected cancer clusters reported to health departments each year, only a small fraction prove to be statistically significant cancer surges. We did exactly what they wanted.. As previously stated, there is basically one medically proven cause of rare brain tumors like ours radiation. Chu Vn An High School. Since the previously stated incident rate of GBM and AN is 10-30 out of 1,000,000, the rate of CHS brain tumors is 30,000 out of 1,000,000. Something Is Wrong Here. More Than 100 Local Residents Had Brain Tumors, but What Was the Cause? It opens up more questions, more doubts, more anxieties, more concerns, he said. We need action! "One hundred out of 15,000 have brain cancer -- sure sounds like something we should be concerned about," Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac has said. If I trusted those numbers, I would be relieved, and I would be happy, she said. His most recent Facebook update, as of April 17, 2022, says that he has identified 102 cases. Tech & Science Science Health and Medicine Brain Cancer. Secondary brain tumors, which originate elsewhere in the body and then spread to the brain, are more common. Also, records later revealed that in 1948, some radioactively contaminated materials had been trucked from the plant to the Middlesex Municipal Landfill (MML), one-half mile away. After the CBS Channel 2 News airing, the summarized radio broadcast on CBS 880, and the NJ 101.5 coverage, my phone has not stopped ringing. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Angela M. DeCillis, a Colonia High School graduate, Class of '95. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. My three siblings graduated class of 91, 95, and 98. Earlier this year, 1989 Colonia High School graduate Al Lupiano developed a list of more than 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school from the 1970s to 1990s who have apparently developed brain tumors, including his sister who died with a malignant brain tumor in February. They may seek answers where there are not any or where they are impossible to dredge out. Angela died from it. Yesthere is. Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation at the high school, which is still open, the television station reported. Superintendent of Schools Joseph Massimino announced the findings Thursday in a letter to township families, following allegations . Jason Wisinski, who lost his wife and sister-in-law, both Colonia High alumnae, to . Despite these odds, cancer cluster designations are considered crucial for both health officials interested in protecting public safety, and communities who fear theyve been exposed to cancer-causing agents. A scientist and mother is demanding answers after tests she conducted found cancer-causing toxins and materials were present at the school where more than 100 former students have since been diagnosed with brain tumors. 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