WHERE ARE SPECTER, THE ATSDR AND THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH?
From: http://www.dante7.com/ [Posted – April 28, 2008]
As most people in northeastern Pennsylvania know, we have a highly significant polycythemia vera cancer problem in this area. A 2007 investigation by the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) indicated that our rate of polycythemia vera is at least 4.5 times the national average www.washingtonindependent.com…ATSDR.pdf!
On October 6, 2006, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and representatives from the ATSDR and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) first announced a study of our polycythemia vera epidemic www.tnonline.com.
At the time of the announcement, Senator Specter stated, “This area has been a dumping ground. We understand your concerns and we share your concerns. When I hear about cancer, I’m especially concerned.” Senator Specter emphasized, “We’ll do everything that can be done.”
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter
On October 24, 2007, officials from the ATSDR and the PA DOH reported the results of their preliminary study confirming the elevated rates of the rare cancer in this area. Dr. Steve Dearwent, Chief of the Health Investigation Bureau, Division of Health Studies, represented the ATSDR.
Dr. Steve Dearwent, ATSDR
The Lehighton Times News reported, “Dearwent stressed that ATSDR will continue to follow up by studying spacial distribution of the cancer within the area” www.tnonline.com. In addition, Dr. Michael Huff, Deputy Secretary, PA DOH, stated, “We are committed to doing additional work and study.”
Dr. Michael Huff, PA DOH
It has been between six and 18 months since “We’ll do everything that can be done,” “ATSDR will continue to follow up ” and “We are committed to doing additional work and study.”
Where are the officials from the ATSDR and the PA DOH? Representatives from these government agencies are nowhere to been seen.
Please contact your elected representatives and demand that they do their jobs by getting officials at the ATSDR and the PA DOH to do their jobs.