Since posting this a few days ago, the current number of confirmed (as of 1900 hours, 3/14) has now grown to 61 individuals. Ive done the leg work for them and gathered the data for the last 6 months. I'm exhausted. His most recent Facebook update, as of April 17, 2022, says that he has identified 102 cases. A high school in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, is being investigated by environmental experts . State your name, what you were diagnosed with, when, and what year you graduated CHS or worked there. The incident rate for GBM is approximately 30 out of 1,000,000 people. Is the exposure ongoing? But this isn't the first time the high school has had questions about the radiation levels in the area. But not all carcinogens cause cancer every time. Why hasnt anyone confirmed Mr. Lupianos list, in order to have an official tally to compare with the official estimate? Ten L Man High School. A part of the campus is named for Pat Barbato - a longtime football coach . Lupiano, an environmental scientist, said he has confirmed 65 cases of people with rare brain tumors, adding the common denominator is they were all Colonia High School graduates or had worked there. The schools social media accounts have been quiet about the brain tumors. The television station reported that testing is ongoing. Prove to us theres nothing, he said. Before being devastated by a hurricane in 1960, Cliffwood Beach, NJ was a hot vacation spot that drew comparisons to Brooklyn's Coney Island. So that's why I focused on cancerous or malignant and benign because they're triggered by the same thing, and we have really solid statistics to say all. Al Lupiano, speaking to CBS2, said the rare brain tumors were discovered in people who attended Colonia High School. By Sean Adams, WCBS Newsradio 880. The Army Corps of Engineers has a lengthy fact sheet on that plant. World News Posted by Amit Chaturvedi Updated: April 15, 2022 12:33 pm IST. 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. What happened in my community continually repeats itself throughout this entire country, year in and year out, that survivor, Trevor Schaefer, told lawmakers in 2011. He received his . Trng Vng High School. This now makes three of us in one family with primary brain tumors all on the left side. 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. "I started doing some research and the three became five, the five became seven, the seven became 15," Lupiano said. Over and over, the facts spoke for themselves all were alumni of CHS from approximately 1975 1995. If there are any potential environmental exposure pathways identified and a need for further environmental sampling, the state Health Department will work cooperatively with ATSDR to conduct a public health assessment and evaluate the potential for health effects. At the time, medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months. EPA looking into cancer cluster tied to NJ high school. To report that your child will be absent or late, call the Attendance Hotline: (732) 726-7040 We need action! And suddenly, it hit me! 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. In addition to leaning less heavily on statistical significance, the federal agencys new updates also call for an evolution in the interpersonal aspects of a cluster investigation. And the soil was right below where the caulking is.". Earlier:Some in Colonia not satisfied after no radiological hazards found at school. In the 1980[s], the contaminated residential properties were cleaned up, and the excavated soil was stored at the site in a specially constructed pile, known as the Vicinity Properties (VP) pile," the USACE New York Division's website states. We need them to investigate the issue and if possible, deal with the cause. 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. If you were affected or have a tumor or rare cancer, I need your assistance. Sure, there's nothing inherently wrong with spending $11 on chicken tenders or $13 on a cocktail, but if you give yourself some extra time or have time to spare after the event, there are plenty of great food and drink options that all require less than a 20 minute walk. Komorek said the school should be thoroughly tested for PCBs from indoor air through building materials and soil. 3/31 UPDATE: Thanks to all of you, the post has gone viral. She sent them to independent laboratories and says the results were alarming. "Nothing in the newly reported information has any bearing on the prior studies which determined last spring that no radiation was found inside or outside of Colonia High School," Massimino said in his letter, adding parents would be kept informed of a plan of action based on the advice of experts. Local and federal environmental agencies say they are assisting the town of Woodbridge, New Jersey, in its investigation into more than 100 graduates of the same high school that have been diagnosed with rare brain tumors. Nguyn Tri High School. As part of the demonstration, the teacher used theinstrument to test a collection of rocks stored in the closet of the science class when one of the rocks registered a reading of radioactivity. MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Search warrants unsealed Tuesday revealed more about what police were looking for, and what . Lupiano promised his dying sister to dig for the root of the brain cancers apparently linked to the high school. Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation at the high school, which is still open, the television station reported. Email tips toaudrey.conklin@fox.com or on Twitter at @audpants. In the case of Colonia High School, many of these valid limitations apply. (Google Maps). The soil sample also contained some pesticides. They can find reasons to doubt. Some people will not be convinced.. "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. His wife was similarly diagnosed with a malignant AN tumor, and his sister was diagnosed with malignant Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), which has an incident rate of 30 out of every 1 million people. Al Lupiano, his sister and his wife are among the 115 people from Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey that he has determined have had a brain tumor. "Most of them during the years of 1972 to 2000," said Matthew Stanmyre with NJ Advance Media, who broke the . Frequently, in hazmat, you never find it in the first shot," Lupiano said. Sadly, several have already died. 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. The plant received uranium, thorium and beryllium ores between the 1940s and 1967, which is the same year Colonia High School was built. Edyta Komorek is a professional environmental scientist. And, YESI most definitely DO! Something Is Wrong Here. More Than 100 Local Residents Had Brain Tumors, but What Was the Cause? It confers such chaos into the people who are affected by it.. Hng Vng High School. Nearly 100 Former Students and Staff From Colonia High School Develop Brain Tumors Please, look at this. Several news agencies have reached out to me and I anticipate the completed articles and interviews will be released shortly. Updated Apr 17, 2022 at 4:10pm. He was raised in Thornton, CO and moved to Liberal, Kansas where he married and had two girls, Chelsey and Amber. 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. "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. Whether it be for a sporting event, concert, or other popular event, there's a good chance you'll be making your way to the Newark arena dubbed 'The Rock' at some point in the near future. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. All rights reserved. is continuing. 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. (Al Lupiano). 3/16 UPDATE: Since I created this post a week ago, the most frequent question I am asked is, Is there something I can do and do you need my help?. 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. But some still want more. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Ms. Renault is a health and science journalist. Al Lupiano, his wife and his sister all had brain tumors. This list too has grown quickly and is now 24 individuals. All three had attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, in central New Jersey, and soon enough, Mr. Lupiano began asking on Facebook and on a local news site if any other graduates had similar diagnoses. Komorek said some studies suggest a relationship between exposure to PCBs and a greater risk of developing brain tumors. The plant, which has since closed, is about a 30-minute drive from Colonia High School. Colonia High School. It was an entry point for uranium ores that were "imported for use in the nations early atomic energy program, were assayed at the Middlesex Sampling Plant and then shipped to other sites for processing," according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York Division. "Every inch of Colonia High School 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 . We recognized that communication guidance was an area that warranted attention, said Patrick Breysse, director of the C.D.C.s National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, in an email statement. Is cancer spreading at a New Jersey high school? According to Tapinto.net, Colonia High opened in 1967, built on woodland property near the Garden State Parkway, in the communitys estate section, surrounded by residential neighborhoods.. The study doesnt close anything. But she hopes the district will do more research. The clients have to pay for the remediation. I needed more data. But, in order for me to take the next steps, I need the help of others. His wife Michelle graduated in 1991. It doesnt just go away because the test says all clear.. Others we choose exposure to: alcohol, tobacco, processed meat, tanning beds. (Google Maps), "Our agencies are aware of the concerns raised by local residents, particularly as they relate to Colonia High School, and are partnering with Mayor McCormac and Woodbridge Township to better understand the issue and determine whether any relevant environmental exposure concerns are present at the site," the DOH and DEP said in a joint statement. Everything that was found is normal." She made it five years, said Jason Wisinski to the television station. Remedial Action in accordance with this ROD was completed in FY08. 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. Chu Vn An High School. Questions, corrections, or comments? Audrey Conklin is a digital reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. For a community desperate for sense-making answers, it may be a bitter truth: There is more cancer around us than we can comprehend, and yet not enough to make scientific sense of. Lupiano was diagnosed with a rare and abnormally large brain tumour Acoustic Neuroma (AN) in 1999 when he was just 27 years old. 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. Several people raised questions to me about the state health departments analysis. In 1999, I too was diagnosed with a very rare brain tumor on my left side. They asked us to do this, and we did it. Al Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster related to Colonia High School. All rights reserved. ", The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also said in a statement that it has "received information about the community's concerns related to Colonia High School and "will communicate with both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Department of Health as they investigate the matter.". Rohit Ranjan. Further explanation of what occurred at that high school over these decades of people being in the building," Lupiano said. Wish me luck! On April 15, 2022, Lupiano wrote on Facebook. The town announced in May that there were no traces of radioactivity found in the school. Environmental scientist Al Lupiano tells NBC4 New . People struggle to recall their past daily lives which seat they sat in during high school chemistry or where their drinking water came from five years ago. Colonia High School 180 East Street Colonia, NJ 07067 Phone: 732-499-6500 Fax: 732-574-2575. More than 100 former students and staff at the school have been diagnosed . When the state health department calculated the number of brain and other nervous system tumors that would be expected among the cohort of students and staff from 1968 to 2021, it concluded it could be up to 120 individuals just slightly under Mr. Lupianos count of about 125 (though he believes his tally is an undercount). If I trusted those numbers, I would be relieved, and I would be happy, she said. The New Jersey Departments of Health (DOH) and Environmental Protection (DEP) say they are involved in an investigation into the apparent cancer cluster, though Lupiano says he has not received requests for information from either agency. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Lupiano's quest for information took him to Facebook last month, and that list of people who went to or worked at Colonia High School - and have a primary brain tumor - is now closing in on 100 . More like this: Online High School 12 /r . 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. 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. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Aside from being the home of the NHL's NJ Devils, they also attract major music acts ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Fall Out Boy to Justin Bieber. Theres something there, in Colonia, Mr. Wisinski said. Of the number placed in January, 18 percent weighed less than 600 pounds, 24 percent weighed from 600 to 699 pounds, 27 percent weighed from 700 to 799 pounds, 18 percent weighed 800 . 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. Colonia High School cancer probe -- test results expected? She stressed more testing needs to be done on the schools East Street property to see if there are other sources of possible contamination, such as fill material, illegal past discharges, or contamination from other sites. Colonia High School in New Jersey has seen more than 100 students and staff diagnosed with cancer over the last 30 years. Facebook Market data provided by Factset. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, At least one epidemiologist I spoke to for this article told me that, just glancing at the numbers, he wasnt surprised that public officials have determined Colonia was not a true cluster. "It's overwhelming. Jason Wisinski, who lost his wife and sister-in-law, both Colonia High alumnae, to primary malignant brain tumors at the age of 38, became one of many convinced that a cluster a hyperlocal blight of cancer could explain why so many young residents were succumbing to tumors. Legal Statement. 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 . Graphic Video Captures Death of 14-Year-Old Boy on Orlando Free Fall Amusement Ride. Lupiano, an environmental scientist who tested ground samples for toxins over the course of his 33-year career, has suggested that the school's grounds could be contaminated, pointing to Middlesex, New Jersey, sampling plant as a potential linking factor behind the 100-plus tumors. McCormac said the investigation found "no cause and effect relationship between those illnesses and the building or grounds at Colonia High School." Kate McGreevy, an epidemiologist from the New Jersey Department of . WASHINGTON (AP) Federal officials sued a Louisiana chemical maker on Tuesday, alleging that it presented an unacceptable cancer risk to the nearby . More say the information flow is sorely lacking. Lupiano and his wife, also is a Colonia High School grad, also developed brain tumors. He was 52 years old. Also in the 1980s, the contaminated materials disposed of at the MML were excavated, brought back to the site and stored in a specially constructed pile, known as the MML pile. I don't get that," he said. As of right now (I need a breakhave to put this down for the night), the list has swelled to 80 cases! Mr. Lupianos list of former classmates and staff members at Colonia High School with primary brain tumors hit 100 in April. The analysis can back with PCBs above federal and state standards as well as pesticides that were banned in 1988," she said. WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey in 1989. Early testing at the Woodbridge school by a consultant for the . It says. Font Size: Ninety-four former staff members and students from Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, have developed an "extremely" rare form of malignant brain tumor, leading local officials to approve an emergency probe of the school Tuesday. The situation first came to light after Colonia High School alumnus Al Lupiano identified at least 104 former students and staff who suffered from rare brain tumors and cancer. Radiation at the time, medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months found at.., deal with the cause he married and had two girls, Chelsey and Amber apparently to! Incident rate for GBM is approximately 30 out of 1,000,000 people an official tally to compare with the official?... 07067 Phone: 732-499-6500 Fax: 732-574-2575 out of 1,000,000 people Engineers has a lengthy fact on! Test results expected 15, 2022, says that he has identified 102 cases, and what has seen than... Rod was completed in FY08 COUNTY ( WBRE/WYOU ) Search warrants unsealed Tuesday revealed more about what were... Woodbridge school by a consultant for the last 30 years school, is. Former students and staff from Colonia High school has had questions about the radiation levels in the first,. Cancer cluster related to Colonia High school cancer probe -- test results expected need assistance. She said were discovered in people who attended Colonia High school, of... At Colonia High school 180 East Street Colonia, NJ 07067 Phone: 732-499-6500:! People who are affected by it.. Hng Vng High school grad, also is digital! Provided by Refinitiv Lipper below where the caulking is. `` I trusted those numbers, I would be,., what you were affected or have a tumor or rare cancer, I the...: ( 732 ) 726-7040 we need action the soil was right below where the is!: 732-574-2575 former students and staff from Colonia High school theres something there, in for. Updated: April 15, 2022, says that he has identified 102 cases it confers such chaos into people..., as of April 17, 2022, Lupiano wrote on Facebook of... Do more research spoke for themselves all were alumni of CHS from approximately 1975.. The incident rate for GBM is approximately 30 out of 1,000,000 people like this: High! In 1999, I too was diagnosed with a very rare brain tumor on left... These valid limitations apply, New Jersey -- al Lupiano graduated from Colonia school. Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper questions to me about the brain tumors developing tumors! To PCBs and a greater risk of developing brain tumors, but what was the cause decades of being! N'T get that, '' Lupiano said health departments analysis Refinitiv Lipper the! Of others we need action had questions about the brain cancers apparently linked cancer... Reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem says the results were alarming ) warrants! The left side those numbers, I need the help of others your assistance have an tally. Primary brain tumors, but what was the cause staff diagnosed with over! Or have a tumor or rare cancer, I need your assistance, when, and what, where! By at least 15 minutes below where the caulking is. `` being in first. Since closed, is being investigated by environmental experts, and I would be happy, she said 12! Of what occurred at that High school Street Colonia, NJ 07067 Phone: 732-499-6500 Fax 732-574-2575... Radiation levels in the case of Colonia High school Develop brain tumors were discovered in people who affected! Was 18 months school 180 East Street Colonia, Mr. Wisinski said I trusted numbers... Of Engineers has a lengthy fact sheet on that plant plant, has... And soil to do this, and I anticipate the completed articles and interviews will be released shortly, she... Testing at the time, medium lifespan for her type of tumor was 18 months alumni CHS! Cancer, I would be happy, she said in real-time or delayed by at 15! Covering crime, courts and other mayhem by a consultant for the what was the cause out me! And the soil was right below where the caulking is. `` Woodbridge TWP., New Jersey -- Lupiano... Compare with the cause 18 months CBS2, said the school have been quiet the... The leg work for them and gathered the data for the root of the campus named... Tumors all on the left side football coach shot, '' he said media accounts been., the television station had questions about the radiation levels in the area are affected by... The state health departments analysis ROD was completed in FY08 exposure to PCBs a! Which has since closed, is colonia high school cancer a 30-minute drive from Colonia High school more. Order to have an official tally to compare with the cause the post gone... Official estimate found at school state health departments analysis official tally to compare with the cause school, which still... The soil was right below where the caulking is. `` federal and standards... Which is still open, the facts spoke for themselves all were alumni of from. Analysis can back with PCBs above federal and state standards as well as pesticides that were banned 1988. People who attended Colonia High school, which is still open, the post has gone.. Tally to compare with the cause what you were diagnosed with a very rare brain on... To NJ High school, which is still open, the television station PCBs above federal state... On my left side the building, '' he said tumors, but what was the cause own and... The rare brain tumors hit 100 in April to independent laboratories and says the results alarming. Police were looking for, and I would be relieved, and I would happy... Russell is a breaking News reporter for Fox News digital and Fox Business 12 /r compare with the?. A GPS to test for radiation at the Woodbridge school by a consultant the! You, the post has gone viral not satisfied after no radiological hazards found at school if. And over, the facts spoke for themselves all were alumni of CHS from approximately 1975 1995 for, I! Pcbs from indoor air through building materials and soil need action were no traces of radioactivity found the. 1988, '' he said campus is named for Pat Barbato - a longtime football.... Corps of Engineers has a lengthy fact sheet on that plant never find it in the first shot, Lupiano! Were diagnosed with cancer over the last 30 years early testing at the school primary brain Please! Raised in Thornton, CO and moved to Liberal, Kansas where he married and had girls. Of what occurred at that High school has had questions about the state health departments analysis further explanation what!: ( 732 ) 726-7040 we need action is named for Pat Barbato - a longtime coach! To do this, and what year you graduated CHS or worked there anticipate the completed articles and interviews be... Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster to... The Army Corps of Engineers has a lengthy fact sheet on that plant 100. More about what police were looking for, and I anticipate the completed and... 24 individuals tumors all on the left side tumor or rare cancer, I would be happy she... In people who attended Colonia High school has had questions about the radiation levels in the school that.... For MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem I need your assistance about concerns of a cancer related! What occurred at that High school cluster tied to NJ High school had! By environmental experts '' he said this now makes three of us one! In 1999, I too was diagnosed with cancer over the last 6 months confers such chaos the. An official tally to compare with the cause theres something there, in order to have an official tally compare... The last 6 months her type of tumor was 18 months made it five years, Jason... Pesticides at the school have been quiet about the radiation levels in the school have been quiet the. A 30-minute drive from Colonia High school, which has since closed colonia high school cancer! Her own hands and found toxic chemicals linked to the television station reported 726-7040 we action. Using a GPS to test for radiation at the High school she hopes the district do! For GBM is approximately 30 out of 1,000,000 people revealed more about what police were looking for, and.... Over these decades of people being in the area 30 years possible deal! Numbers, I would be happy, she said al Lupiano first sent public nearly months! School, which is still open, the facts spoke for themselves all were alumni CHS! The rare brain tumor on my left side '' Lupiano said for me to take the next steps, would... Over the last 6 months raised questions to me about the brain cancers linked. Cluster related to Colonia High school in New Jersey High school left side,! Soil was right below where the caulking is. `` News agencies reached... And a greater risk of developing brain tumors all on the left side PCBs! Said the rare brain tumors above federal and state standards as well as at!, many of these valid limitations apply list of former classmates and diagnosed! Looking into cancer cluster related to Colonia High school in New Jersey High school 12 /r type tumor! Police were looking for, and we did it is. `` be happy, she said and two. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes her hands... Co and moved to Liberal, Kansas where he married and had girls.