Some testing for toxins has been completed at a Middlesex County High School, but answers as to how they could possibly be connected to dozens of cancer cases may still be weeks away. Performance Rule Requires Disclosure of Relationship Tech Takeaways: SCOTUS Weighs in on Pivotal Tech Cases. "It doesn't rule out there isn't some cause, it's just means that we have to be careful that we're not drawing lines around areas of locations and times when theres randomly an increase in incidents of cancer," he says. April 16, 2022, 8:56 PM. He says that more testing is needed, including air, soil and water samples. McCormac said he's assured any parents that have contacted his office that the township has no evidence of any problems with the school building or the grounds. Nearly 100 Former Students and Staff From Colonia High School Develop Brain Tumors But public health experts are cautioning against deeming the tumor cases a "cancer cluster" just yet. It's due to concerns tied to graduates or staff members with brain tumors. The township announced results of an investigation. "These tumors are even more rare occurring in 10 out of 1,000,000 individuals. This now makes three of us in one family with primary brain tumors all on the left side," he wrote. Get breaking news alerts in the free FOX5NY News app! But at this point, theres no reason to, and it would send the wrong message to a community that is concerned that there is an adverse circumstance occurring that we see no evidence of whatsoever. Woodbridge Township contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the CDC, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (which is part of CDC), and the state Department of Health last week, and we've begun initial discussions with them.". Komorek and other parents said they still are considering transferring their children to another school district. The rates are actually consistent in New Jersey with the United States, McGreevy said. His practice also includes the representation of litigants in professional liability claims including those involving medical negligence. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. In April, he told TODAY was determined to figure out why he, his wife and sister all experienced brain tumors. Al Lupiano, a graduate of the high school, believes there's a link between Colonia High School and brain tumors diagnosed in 108 people over a period of three decades, ending in the early 2000s. "Upon hearing this information, Mayor John McCormac and I immediately met to develop a plan to evaluate the concerns. Lupiano, his wife . We want to help this community feel safe, LaTourette said during an hour-long press conference Thursday in the Colonia gymnasium. A rock was found in the school a rock that should not have been there. All About Kelly Stafford, Mass. Murphy: We absolutely have concern about potential Colonia High School cancer cluster, Colonia cancer cluster testers to use spring break week to finish data collection. So far, the experts have provided the community with important scientific consultation, but I still have not seen enough action," Pallone said in a statement Thursday. 100 PEOPLE WITH RARE TUMORS WHO ATTENDED SAME NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL DEMAND ANSWERS The 110 people that Lupiano has counted on his list of former Colonia High School graduates have been. 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. Follow him on Twitter @MattStanmyre or email him at mstanmyre@njadvancemedia.com. The testing started on April 9. Canisters were also put on the grounds outside of the school to check for any excessive levels of radiation. In a mysterious story, a man from New Jersey named Al Lupiano found out that 100 people with uncommon cancers were linked to Woodbridge Township School District, Colonia High School. The man proposing the theory is Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist who grew up in Woodbridge Township. As for Lupiano, he is committed to finding the root cause of what has happened at the school. Strategies for Protecting Standard Essential Department Of Justice Introduces Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy For Minnesota Supreme Court Clarifies State Law Standards for Severe or Gold Dome Report Legislative Day 25 (2023). She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. Nearly 100 people attending a single high school in New Jersey have developed rare forms of brain cancer. I will uncover the truth," Lupiano told NJ.com last week. IT'S HAPPENING! The City of Woodbridge has now allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding to test for radiation on the schools grounds, and Woodbridge Mayor John McCormick has expressed his concern in recent interviews. Massimino said the Woodbridge school district will keep in touch with these state and federal agencies and will let the public know immediately of any new findings. It used to be a secret site that was part of the Manhattan Project the World War II-era project to create atomic weapons. We absolutely have concern. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Is it a cancer cluster or a coincidence? Image: Unsplash. Whittington a board-certified MD in California claimed several of the brain tumors developed by ex-Colonia High staff and students are glioblastoma multiforme an aggressive cancer. To investigate the possibility that radiation may be responsible for the high rate of brain tumor development among former Colonia students and employees, theCity of Woodbridge has contractedthe radiology and environmental remediations company T&M and Cabrera Services, Inc. T&M and Cabrera is currently testing for radiation on the schools grounds using radon sensors. Former Colonia High School student Al Lupiano first decided to investigate when both his wife and his sister were diagnosed with brain tumors, two decades after he himself had suffered from. "We are aware of a social media post and associated news reports suggesting a connection between Colonia High School and specific health concerns," Woodbridge school Superintendent Joseph Massimino said in a letter home to parents Wednesday. Colonia High School in Colonia, N.J. in a 2022 file photo. In total, he collected the names of 94 former students and staff who have developed brain tumors, according to the New York Post. This Week in 340B: February 21 27, 2023. The town also said in its statement that a radiological and environmental remediation company has been contracted to begin collecting data at the school. The township worked closely with state and federal agencies in the investigation, according to McCormac. No one knows why. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Woodbridge Woman Writes Her 2nd Fiction Novel, Critically Praised, Perth Amboy Outerbridge Crossing Crash Blocks Lane Tuesday: DOT, Speed Restrictions On GSP In Woodbridge Prompt Delays Tuesday: DOT, NJ Camp Fairs at Menlo Park Mall Mar 4, 2023 - FREE to Attend (12-3PM), 2023 Spring Garden Tea Party Gift Auction, Raisin, The Tony-Winning Best Musical - Second Incredible Week, Johns Crazy Socks Enters the Wholesale Channel so Retail Stores Can Sell Our Socks, Tax Relief, Debt Service, Transit Fare Freeze: 3 NJ Budget Takeaways, Rutgers Professors' Union Considers Going On Strike. Tests are currently being run across the schools property to search for possible sources of radiation. By Sean Adams, WCBS Newsradio 880. He is keeping a list. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Matthew Stanmyre may be reached at mstanmyre@njadvancemedia.com. At the time of the CBS interview in late March, Lupiano claimed to have confirmed 65 cases of rare brain tumors, all affecting people who either attended or worked at Colonia High School. When Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac learned about Lupianos efforts, he reached to him and the township subsequently hired an environmental engineering firm to investigate possible contaminants at the school that could contribute to development of brain tumors. MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Search warrants unsealed Tuesday revealed more about what police were looking for, and what . 1 spot on Bloomberg's billionaires list, Manhattan stores are turning to K-9s to fight shoplifting, Police look for evidence in slain Hong Kong models case, Hamptons trailer park home sells for $3.75M, Fishermen find remains of missing man inside shark. Colonia High School was reportedly the common denominator among those suffering from the tumors Credit: CBS NEW YORK. 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. The assessment at the school included real time radiation measurements inside the building and testing of all 28 acres of grounds outside the building. The city of Woodbridge, NJis conducting an investigationafter more than 100 former students and staff at the local Colonia High School were found to have developed brain tumors over a three-decade period. The victims all went to Colonia High School in Woodbridge in New Jersey They all developed the 'rare' glioblastoma years after studying or working there The link was only spotted when one. Almost 100 people from the very same New Jersey high school have all developed brain tumors. Environmental scientist Al Lupiano is. Both sisters graduated from Colonia High School, just like Al Lupiano in 1989, his wife Michelle in 1991, and his sister, Angela Decillis in 1995. Matthew Stanmyre is a sports enterprise, projects and investigative reporter for NJ Advance Media. Students have all still been attending Colonia High School while the story has circulated. Lupianos sister died from brain cancer earlier this year. Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist, began. Advertisement. "Finding something isn't the end of the road. Earlier this year, 1989 Colonia High School graduate Al Lupiano developed a list of more than 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school from the 1970s to 1990s. Labor Board Flip-Flops Again on Severance FRB Governor Bowman Speaks on Bank Regulation and Supervision. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 02:45 PM EST. The state Department of Environmental Protection says it has partnered with the federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry to do an assessment of the site. Dr. Joseph Massimino, superintendent of Woodbridge Township School District, said officials are awaiting details on next steps from environmental agencies, while Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac has contacted the state Department of Health, Department of Environmental Protection and the Federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, the Mayor's Office of Communications for the Township of Woodbridge confirmed to PEOPLE Friday. I understand the inclination to chase down whatever it could be, he continued. Earlier this spring, Al Lupiano, a 1974 graduate, discovered 122 people with ties to the school who have had a primary brain tumor and an additional 75 with other rare forms of cancer. "We have requested that the agencies move quickly to conduct any necessary research and verification of data so we can efficiently coordinate and facilitate any actions that will assist in the evaluation of the information and implementation of any environmental impact studies," McCormac and Massimino said in a joint statement about health concerns potentially connected to Colonia High School. FMLA Developments Regarding Telework and Retaliation Claims You Should Know About. Proposed Nursing Home Disclosure Requirements Target Private Equity Regulation in the Post-FTX Environment: SECs Proposed Enhanced Can a Child Decide Whom They Want to Live With in Michigan? Some, including Lupianos sister, have died. Laumbach also says that there could be natural sources for radiation and radon near the school. WOODBRIDGE - Work is underway to create a portal for people with ties to Colonia High School who have developed brain tumors to share information with the New Jersey Department of Health so. Lupiano's sister died in February at age 44. Our journalism needs your support. WOODBRIDGE, NJ Woodbridge Township is taking "incredibly seriously" a theory proposed by a former Township resident that radiation or some other unknown contaminat at Colonia High School could be causing fatal brain tumors. The man proposing the theory is Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist who grew up in Woodbridge Township. More than 100 people who graduated from Colonia High School have developed brain cancer. Lupianos findings prompted the Woodbridge Municipal Council to approve an emergency contract with an environmental consultant to conduct various radiological assessments at Colonia beginning in April. These findings represent good news that we hope will reassure current and former Colonia High students.. His wife is still undergoing treatment. We also need to verify reported cancer cases and determine based on the specific timing, type, and frequency if they are statistically higher than normal rates," the statement continued. The onset of brain tumors in more than one hundred people who attended or worked at Colonia High School in New Jersey has continued to baffle experts. 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. Woodbridge Mayor John McCormack and the town council ordered tests be conducted at the school, which was constructed in 1967. The National Law Review is a free to use, no-log in database of legal and business articles. Woodbridge's congressman, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ6), has also been made aware, the mayor said. (TODAY did not independently verify the cases.). He wasn't the only one in his family that had a similar issue. The investigation found no traces of radiological contaminants that would contribute to the diagnoses of brain cancers and other central nervous system tumors or disorders. Whoever started calling this a cancer cluster, to use that phrase, it was ill informed, McCormac said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. We are very happy to announce that our extensive testing for both radon and radiation in the interior and exterior of the school building produced no evidence of any cancer causing hazards that warrant further investigation, McCormac said. And it is also great news for all former students who attended and staff that worked at Colonia High School since it opened back in 1968.. It's not contaminated water. Christopher Kelly is senior director of news and innovation. Since his March 7 Facebook post, Lupiano said he now has 65 cases connected to Colonia High School that he deems credible. It's not something in soil," he told CBS. He has won 19 national writing awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors in the largest circulation category, including four overall first-place finishes. Earlier:Colonia parents sign petition, push for quicker action in school cancer probe, Earlier:'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases. The question is why? If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., praised McCormac's decision to push ahead with a township-financed environmental review. Former Colonia High School student Al Lupiano first decided to investigate when both his wife and his sister were diagnosed with brain tumors, two decades after he himself had suffered from a benign tumor. Risk factors for brain tumors include a family history and possibly exposure to ionizing radiation, Persichilli explained at the press conference, stressing that much is unknown about the risk factors for developing brain and central nervous system tumors. He graduated from Colonia High School in 1989. Lupiano shared that three weeks ago, his sister "suddenly and very tragically" died due to a very rare and highly aggressive malignant glioma brain tumor (glioblastoma multiforme). US Executive Branch Update February 28, 2023. Colonia High School: Environmentalists determining possible link between New Jersey school and brain tumors - 6abc Philadelphia tumor Former students wonder if their brain tumors are. We sympathize with anyone who has experienced brain tumors and brain cancers, especially those who lost loved ones to this terrible disease, McCormac said. A man, his wife and his sister all Colonia High grads diagnosed with rare brain tumors. There is one well documented cause of brain tumors radiation exposure.". Creditor Stung By Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Bylaws. After the press conference he shared a post on Facebook, which reads, in part: My heart aches for my friends, family and fellow CHS alumni, teachers, and staff. Do Issuers Fail To File Form Ds Because They Fear Trolls? Will the U.S. Supreme Court Make Marijuana Legal? Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 03:42 PM EST. News of the alarming diagnoses has recently gone viral in a TikTok video by Dr. Joe Whittington, a board-certified doctor in California. . An environmental assessment of all 28 acres in and around Colonia High School found no traces of radiological contaminants and the school has been deemed safe for students and staff, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and other officials announced Thursday. On April 9, canisters to take air samples were placed in the building. The choice of a lawyer or other professional is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. 94 people from 1 N.J. high school developed brain tumors. Dating back decades, newly detailed reports of more than 100 cases of brain tumors among former students and staff at Colonia High School in Woodbridge have raised obvious concerns. We do not believe that there is cause for any further testing, and that the children of this school, the faculty of this school and the parents of these children can have confidence that this is a safe place.. Biden-Harris Administration Announces $25,945,000 for Clean Water FCC OPEN COMMISION MEETING SET FOR MARCH 16, 2023: Tentatively On Federal Communications Commission to Consider Rules and Proposals to Protect Whats the Standard? Al Lupiano, a Colonia High School . A man investigating his former high school in New Jersey says he has counted 115 people who attended or worked there have had a rare brain tumor. An environmental scientist, Lupiano determined the common link between the three was that all attended the same high school. The township announced results of an investigation. Our children and Colonia High School staff deserve more involvement of the State and Federal agencies. California Assembly Bill Pushes for Womens Designated Restrooms on Mississippi Legislature Takes Up Pass-Through Entity Election FTC Signals Increased Scrutiny of Technology Sector Through Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act and Ensuring Compliance. "The results will dictate the next steps," he said. All rights reserved (About Us). Since . "We're going to test and hope we find nothing," McCormac said Thursday afternoon. There is no cause-and-effect relationship between those illnesses and the building or grounds at Colonia High, McCormac said. Casey returns to the Senate after cancer surgery 11 hours ago . Mystery as 100 people associated with . We still need environmental research to see if there is evidence for concern. Some states have laws and ethical rules regarding solicitation and advertisement practices by attorneys and/or other professionals. Colonia Park Mall in court over $200,000 in bills All rights reserved. "Fast forward to August of last year," Lupiano told CBS. The testing was prompted after township officials learned of various social media posts related to several instances of brain tumors and brain cancer among students and faculty of CHS from . NLR does not answer legal questions nor will we refer you to an attorney or other professional if you request such information from us. Matthew Stanmyre | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. When asked by reporters if the state would consider additional testing of the soil or groundwater at Colonia, LaTourette was adamant that no further examination is warranted. After doing some research, Al Lupiano told TODAY that he discovered 107 former students and teachers with brain tumors. Colonia cancer cluster testers to use spring break week to finish data collection, Environmental firm collects data at Woodbridge school amid cancer cluster concerns, Testing to begin at Colonia HS after man discovers possible evidence of cancer cluster. After doing some research, Al Lupiano told TODAY that he discovered 107 former . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A part of the campus is named for Pat Barbato a longtime football coach and athletic director. But I know for sure the tragedy that many lives are going through have some nexus to the Colonia High School, so that's something we take very seriously, Murphy said. A Colonia High School alum said he found 107 people with brain tumors who went to or worked at the school. As of Thursday, Lupiano said he has confirmed 65 cases of people with rare brain tumors. In concert with the Township Department of Health, we initiated contact with various federal, state, county, and local health and environmental agencies. McCormac shared the findings of the environmental assessment in a press conference Thursday. He graduated from Colonia High School in 1989. I dont know about you but Im not giving up so easy with or without the help of others, the truth will be uncovered.. Lupiano and his wife both had an acoustic neuroma a benign brain tumor that grows on a nerve from the brain to the inner ear but his sister had a fatal, cancerous brain tumor. After nearly 100 people who attended the same New Jersey high school developed rare brain tumors, an alumnus and cancer survivor is demanding answers. HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) James Hudock, a former chemistry teacher who was promoted to vice principal at the Hazleton Area High School . When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This is a life-threatening condition, says Paul Dorsey. I know we have rocks similar to that at the Middlesex Sampling Plant, Lupiano says. Radon canisters placed throughout the school also were collected and sent for analysis. North Hunterdon High School is a four-year regional public high school serving students from six municipalities in northern Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States, as one of two high schools in the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District.Students in the high school hail from Bethlehem Township, Clinton Town, Clinton Township, Franklin Township, Lebanon Borough and Union . All rights reserved (About Us). "If there is something there, the sooner you know, the better because you can react quick and take any steps you have to take right away," McCormack said.". "It's not something done to us due to bad habits.". Under certain state laws the following statements may be required on this website and we have included them in order to be in full compliance with these rules. Lupiano reported his findings to Colonia High School, which was built in 1967, and he is now working with local officials to identify the root cause. Pallone also asked the DOH to facilitate the portal to collect and verify the suspected brain cancer cases so health experts can complete a scientific evaluation. We requested that the agencies move quickly to conduct any necessary research," he said. "For most cancers, and that would include brain cancers for example, in most cases we dont know what the cause was," Laumbach says. Location: Mullica Hill<br>Our Mission- to provide a safe and compassionate experience that improves the health and well-being of our community by placing the safety of our patients and support of our employees er of all we do.<br><br>Our Vision<br>- Inspira Health inspires and empowers healthier communities by creating the highest quality and most desirable experience in the region.<br><br . He says that more than 100 people responded with similar cancer cases. : Advanced Marketing Compels Trial on Arbitration in a TCPA Health Plans Gag Clause Attestations Due December 31, 2023. It's not air. In 2019, he was named the nations best sports beat reporter by APSE. Dorseys son goes to the high school. While McCormac said it's too early to say if the state or federal government is investigating, he did say he expects that the ground and soil around Colonia High School will be tested, along with the air inside the high school building. Recent FTC Enforcement Action Merits Cyber Insurance Coverage Review, Two Ways to Redefine & Achieve CRM Success. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Rob Laumbach of Rutgers School of Public Health says that it is always possible that in any large population of people, there will be instances of tumors and cancers.