Cartwright calls for investigation into 'strikingly high' cancer cases in Lackawanna County
NEWS
Cartwright calls for investigation into strikingly high cancer cases in Lackawanna County
by: Zachary Smith
Posted: Dec 20, 2024 / 03:28 PM EST
Updated: Dec 21, 2024 / 06:11 PM EST
OLYPHANT, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Congressman Matt Cartwright is calling for an investigation into what he calls a strikingly high amount of cancer cases being reported from former employees of several facilities in Lackawanna County.
According to a released letter from Cartwright to PA Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, Cartwright says the abnormally high amount of cases seem to revolve around former employees of several plants in Olyphant: Specialty Records, WEA Manufacturing, and Cinram.
Cartwright states the health problems reported include mesothelioma, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, kidney cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, and other cancers. Other conditions were reported as well, such as myasthenia gravis, lupus, autoimmune diseases, and respiratory diseases.
Cartwright cites numerous chemicals used at the facilities, in addition to a lack of protective gear, as the potential cause for these cases.
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