Pennsylvania Cancer Clusters – Update

Background

In 2004, using state cancer registry records, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) found a PV cluster in northeast Pennsylvania. PV is part of a disease group called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), which is a group of slow-growing blood cancers where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

In 2006, ATSDR was asked to help study PV patterns in the area. From 2007-2008, ATSDR reviewed medical records, conducted genetic testing, and confirmed this PV cluster.

In 2009, Congress funded ATSDR to continue this investigation. ATSDR is overseeing 18 projects with PADOH, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and various universities and private organizations. These projects are based on recommendations from an expert panel. The panel identified four areas for investigation; epidemiology, genetics, toxicology, and environmental studies.

Status

As of October 1, 2013, all but one of the contracts for the 18 projects have ended.  The one exception is the tissue bank, which will remain open for recruitment of new tissue donations from the PA tri-county study area through May 2014.  After May 2014, no new samples will be added from the tri-county study area, but the geographically identified (but de-identified in terms of personal information) donations from the tri-county study area will continue to be available for researchers to access via this national tissue bank established at the Myleloproliferative Disease Research Consortium (MPD-RC).  You can continue to follow the work of the overall MPD-Research Consortium on their website at: http://www.mpd-rc.org/home.php.

The graphic with this email provides this summary as of April 2014.  I’ve attached this graphic both as a “snapshot” in the body of this email, as well as a pdf attachment.  Projects highlighted in “green” in the attached graphic have work complete and a final product available (if applicable).  Projects highlighted in “yellow” have final products in progress and undergoing clearance.  Projects highlighted in “red” have final products that are anticipated but not yet started.

As of May 8, 2014, work is complete and a final product is available (if applicable) for 5 projects.  We are happy to announce that one new project (#3) moved from yellow to green since my October update; we now have a factsheet and final publication analyzing the accuracy of PV diagnoses using Geisinger Medical Center’s electronic medical records.  This is an important study that highlights that inconsistencies in PV diagnoses and record keeping remain despite more widespread use of the JAK2 genetic marker.   These documents are available at:

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/docs/fact_sheet_for_manuscript_determination_of_accuracy_of_pv_diagnoses_and_JAK2V617F_test_usage.pdf

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/docs/manuscript_determination_of_accuracy_of_pv_diagnoses_and_use_of_the_JAK2V617F_test_in_the_diagnostic_scheme.pdf

Note, one of the projects (#1) that was green in my October update moved to yellow since we are now expecting a journal publication for that effort when we were not before.  Final products for another 11 projects are in progress; this is an increase in two projects moving from red to yellow since my October update.  Final products for 2 projects are anticipated but not yet started (this is a decrease from 4 in this red stage in my October update).

I want to take a personal moment to acknowledge the work of our colleague Dr. Paul Roda.  He was the primary author for the work in project #3 that is now available for your review, as well as for projects #1 and #2.  Dr. Roda passed away suddenly in November 2013, and I really miss working with him.  I am so glad to share some of the results of his work with you.  This work remains a testimony to his dedication to this investigation and his profession of hematology.

For more information:

Visit ATSDR’s web page on PV: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/index.html

Call ATSDR’s toll-free PV information line: 866-448-0242 or email jcx0@cdc, which will connect you to Dr. Elizabeth Irvin-Barnwell, ATSDR Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences.

Contact Lora Siegmann Werner, ATSDR Region 3, by phone at 215-814-3141 or by email at lkw9@cdc.gov.

Volunteer

We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.  We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more.  Become part of the Keystone Clean Water Team!.

Everything we do began with an idea.

We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.

Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Waiting on Official Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS.  Unsolicited donations are appreciated.

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).

 

More:

Professional Education and Training (Continuing  Education)
Career Training and Heatlh Care 
Information on Groundwater Well Water Quality (Iron, Arsenic, Manganese, and More)

Environmental Monitoring Credibility and Social License to Monitor

Improving Reliability of Baseline Monitoring Using In-Situ.

“You need proven methods and reliable equipment to meet regulations and gain a “social license” to conduct hydraulic fracturing. Partner with a company that’s been working with mining professionals since 1976. Originally providing instrumentation for in-situ uranium mining, In-Situ ® Inc. understands groundwater —- from aquifer testing to groundwater sampling. ” (In-Situ, 2014)

1. Avoid Repeat Sampling Events

Establish baselines for regulatory compliance or background studies by implementing a defensible groundwater sampling program. The smarTROLL TM Low-Flow Sampling System simplifies routine monitoring of water quality changes in groundwater near hydraulic fracturing sites both pre-drill and post-completion.

Increase field productivity by using the smarTROLL Multiparameter Handheld and the smallest volume flow-through cell on the market. The smarTROLL MP Handheld measures up to 14 parameters and wirelessly transmits data to your iOS ® device. The iSitu ® App:

* Guides you through sampling setup, calibrations, and data collection
* Stores details of purge conditions including flow rate and field parameter stabilization to demonstrate representativeness of samples
* Logs data to your smartphone —- export to Excel
* Generates digital calibration and sample reports —- no more transcription errors
* Associates photos and GPS coordinates with sites

Watch the smarTROLL low-flow sampling tutorial and the smarTROLL MP Handheld system  or watch a video.

2. Measure Hydrologic Properties, Economically

Need to determine depth to water, hydraulic gradient, hydraulic conductivity, or potentiometric surface? In-Situ Inc.’s Rugged Water Level Tapes and Rugged TROLL Data Loggers perform reliably under tough field conditions.

3. Use Tools Provided by the Marcellus Shale Coalition TM

The Marcellus Shale Coalition published recommended practices for work at oil and gas sites. Download the guide on Pre-Drill Water Supply Surveys for information on establishing a baseline for groundwater conditions prior to oil and gas drilling activities. The guide provides details for the initial survey, water sampling, sample analyses, parameters, and reporting and also includes a site visit form and a summary of pre-drill maximum contaminant levels.

4. Call In-Situ Rentals

Need equipment for short-term projects? In-Situ Rentals delivers factory-maintained and calibrated equipment. Our knowledgeable team offers free consultations to ensure that you receive the right equipment for your project.

Contact us today for a free quotation. Or call 1-800-4IN-SITU (1-800-446-7488).

* To receive the 10% discount on Rugged Water Level Tapes, you must order online at In-Situ Inc.’s e-store, please mention you save this information at the Keystone Clean Water Team Blog -May 31, 2014. Domestic shipments only. Promo Code: tape2014

Get Training – Professionals – Learn about Baseline Water Quality Issues and Water Quality Problem in Pennsylvania and more about how to work with Private Well Owners – Contact Mr. Brian Oram, Professional geologist.   Learn about baseline groundwater quality in Pennsylvania. 

More:
Professional Education and Training
Career Training and Renewable Energy
Information on Groundwater Well Water Quality (Iron, Arsenic, Manganese, and More)

Volunteer

We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.  We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more.  Become part of the Keystone Clean Water Team!.

Everything we do began with an idea.

We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.

Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Waiting on Official Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS.  Unsolicited donations are appreciated.

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).

 

Green Cleaning – Sustainable Energy Education Development Lake Wallenpaupack

A  free workshop on how and why to clean your home and body without harsh chemicals.  Location PPL Lake Wallenpaupack, May 20 @ 7:00 pm (Tuesday)

SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) and PPL have lined up an incredible group of individuals to talk about how much we can improve our health and well- being by rethinking some of our cleaning routines. This GREEN CLEANING workshop will demonstrate how to make your own home and body cleaning products, how to avoid harsh chemicals, and how to know which natural ingredients are actually not harmful. Door prizes will be given away!

Speakers include:

Janet Brown, founder of Green Leaf Cleaning will share cleaning recipes and tips with a direct focus on sustainability. Janet Brown of GreenLeaf Cleaning, LLC began her green cleaning business in May of 2011 along with her sister Cindy. GreenLeaf Cleaning strives to use the most non-toxic chemical free alternatives for all cleaning needs. Janet has a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Scranton, and is passionate about fostering an environmentally conscious society.

Nora Eisenberg, award winning novelist and reporter of the environmental effects of war, will discuss startling similarities between chemical warfare agents and household cleaning products. Ms. Eisenberg is the author of three award-winning novels that explore the effects of war and social injustice on individuals, families, and communities. Her short stories, essays, and reviews, have appeared in numerous anthologies and journals including The Village Voice,Partisan Review, the LA Times,  and Tikkun.  Eisenberg, who holds a PhD in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University,  directs the Faculty Fellowship Publication Program at the City University of New York and is the author of several widely used books on the craft of writing.  She divides her time between Manhattan and the Delaware River village of Narrowsburg, New York

Carl J. Milks, MD, a board-certified allergist will discuss how indoor air quality is adversely affected by many of the modern everyday products we buy and use. “At least 60% of everyone that has a runny, stuffy, sneezy nose has at least a component of non-allergic rhinitis, ie a “cranky nose”. Fortunately we have control over many of these things in what we buy and what we use, and some of the things that are not good for the nose and lungs are “natural”.

Gudrun Feigl of Mount Pleasant Herbary will demonstrate household uses for herbs and spices and how beneficial they are to our well-being. She will demonstrate how to make potpourri, fabric softener and deodarant. “The products of Mount Pleasant Herbary are made with herbs we grow right here in our herb garden including Anise, Lavender, Chamomile, Chocolate Mint, Moroccan Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint, Calendula, and Lemon Balm. We grow our herbs without the use of herbicides or pesticides.  After handpicking and drying the herbs, they are combined together and hand packaged into wholesome, delicious herbal teas. We also use the herbs in our natural handcrafted soap and add them to our dream pillows. Handmade, heat-able buckwheat pillows and sachets add to our wonderful array of products.” Gudrun Feigl grew up in Germany, close to the border of Switzerland. With Mount Pleasant Herbary, she is combining her love for nature, gardening and beautiful things.

This will be an informative and fun-filled discussion for all in your household!

Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Email jocelyn@seedsgroup.net or call (570) 245 – 1256

For more information, please contact Jocelyn Cramer at SEEDS; 1030 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431. jocelyn@seedsgroup.net or call (570) 245 – 1256

This workshop will be held at the PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center off Rt. 6 in Hawley.

Volunteer

We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.  We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more.  Become part of the Keystone Clean Water Team!.

Everything we do began with an idea.

We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.

Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Waiting on Official Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS.  Unsolicited donations are appreciated.

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).

Heartbleed Web Threat

In an effort to help our supporters, here is a few types related to the Heartbleed Web Threat:

What is Heartbleed – “Heart bleed is probably one of the largest security exposures, at least that I can remember in ten or fifteen years. It impacts almost all of the internet. David Kennedy, a security researcher and self described ethical hacker calls heart bleed the bug that broke the internet.   Affects websites using a software called OpenSSL.  Software is used to encrypt data that is exchanges the site will have https or a padlock sign in the web address.   Any site you may have used – which is probably most – You could be at Risk.  Any site that required a name and password – Could be an issue.

Some general recommendations:

1. Change all your passwords and log-ins.

2. Make the passwords and log-in more difficult.

Other Websites

http://heartbleed.com/

http://www.businessinsider.com/heartbleed-bug-explainer-2014-4

Lifelock Security Tracking (Identify Protection)

Volunteer

We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.  We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more.  Become part of the Keystone Clean Water Team!.

Everything we do began with an idea.

We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.

Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Waiting on Official Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS.  Unsolicited donations are appreciated.

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).

 

Alternative and Renewable Energy Energy Options for Pennsylvania

The Academy is a S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math) magnet school in the Hazleton Area School District. The academy offers a variety of learning opportunities in the sciences, including onsite college courses at reduced tuition rates, project-based learning, individual and group work, and many creative ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge.    Mr. Brian Oram of the Keystone Clean Water Team and the owner of B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc. conducted an education outreach effort as part of Earth Day.
During the presentation on April 22, 2014, Mr. Oram focused on:

The Importance of Conservation and Energy Efficiency
Need for the Use of Renewable Energy Where it Works Best
Need for State-wide Use Of Biomass and Groundsource Heating and Cooling
Regional/ National Wind and Solar Projects
Role of Nuclear Energy and
The Role of Fossil Fuels (Coal, Natural Gas, and Oil).

We learned that if we just recycle cellphones we could save the energy equivalent to 18,500 houses per year.

The presentation was fact based and highlighted the need for a State and National Energy Policy over a “Carbon” Plan.

Volunteer

We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.  We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more.  Become part of the Keystone Clean Water Team!.

Everything we do began with an idea.

We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.

Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Waiting on Official Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS.  Unsolicited donations are appreciated.

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).