Cancer News, Treatment and Research

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a Connecticut town $200,000 grant to help defray costs associated with preparing a contaminated former mill for redevelopment this week. Residents of Plainfield are elated at the prospect of cleaning up the former InterRoyal Mill property as it poses serious health threats to the community and has detracted from the town’s revenue. Redevelopment of the former mill will be the centerpiece to Plainfield’s overall improvements, said Congressman Joe Courtney . According to Courtney, the project will be a catalyst for future development that will hopefully reinvigorate Plainfield’s economy. Courtney, who made the announcement on Thursday, was instrumental in securing the EPA grant. The property is dangerously contaminated with chemicals and other carcinogens. Previous studies have found that streams running through the property are contaminated with chromium and nickel, and the buildings also contain lead-based paint, asbestos and mercury. Further environmental assessments may uncover additional contaminates. However, those toxins found on the site all pose serious threats to health. Asbestos is a set of naturally-occurring minerals that was widely used in building, electrical and plumbing materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious medical conditions including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer . Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the pleura or the protective lining surrounding the heart, lungs or stomach. According to a Plainfield resident, Peter Brodeur, many people who live near the 16 acre property have become sickened by the environmental contamination. Though Brodeur has not been affected by the contaminates found on the property, he alleges that other members of the community have been. Cleaning up the property is the first step in the redevelopment process. Eventually, the site would be an ideal space for commercial developments.