Federal report: Radioactive waste in Coldwater Creek increases cancer risk

A federal government agency has concluded radioactive contamination in a north St. Louis County creek could cause increased risk of certain types of cancer in residents who live near the north St. Louis County waterway.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s public health assessment, released Monday, states that residents who were exposed to the area around Coldwater Creek had a higher risk of exposure to radioactive contaminants, and thus a higher risk of bone cancer, lung cancer or leukemia. The federal organization is also calling for the public to comment and add to the report through Aug. 31.

Advocates for residents near Coldwater Creek were pleased to hear representatives of a federal agency acknowledge what they have long suspected.

“What they’re saying they confirm our exposure could be linked to our cancer and our illnesses,” community activist Kim Visintine said.

http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/federal-report-radioactive-waste-coldwater-creek-increases-cancer-risk#stream/0