Maha Christopher
Officials in Massachusetts have launched an environmental investigation after several female teachers at a local high school were diagnosed with breast cancer or precancerous conditions over the past few years.
According to People, the concern was disclosed in a letter sent to families and staff by Uxbridge Public Schools Superintendent David Ljungberg and Uxbridge High School Principal Michael Rubin.
“We are writing to inform you about a concern we are investigating at Uxbridge High School,” the administrators wrote. “Several female teachers have been diagnosed with breast cancer or precancerous conditions over the past few years.”
The school district said it was still unclear whether the cases were linked but stressed that the investigation was being conducted out of caution.
“It is, of course, possible that these multiple cases are not connected to one another, but out of abundance of caution, we are looking into any environmental factors at the school that may be a factor in their diagnoses,” the letter stated.
School officials said they contacted the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Uxbridge Board of Health after learning about the diagnoses and have since been working with epidemiologists, environmental experts and scientists to examine possible environmental causes.
According to the district, health officials have indicated there is currently no evidence of an immediate danger within the school building.
“Massachusetts DPH officials have indicated that there is no evidence of immediate danger in the building and no reason to limit access to or use of the facility at this time,” Ljungberg and Rubin said.
Investigators are expected to conduct air quality testing at the school, including checks for carbon monoxide, humidity, temperature, airflow and other compounds that could affect indoor air quality.
Officials are also examining the school’s electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and mechanical systems, while reviewing the history of the property for any potential environmental concerns.
The district said water testing had already ruled out the school’s water supply as a possible risk factor.
Health authorities have also contacted the affected teachers and are reviewing factors such as age, medical history, genetic background and specific diagnoses to determine whether there may be any common links among the cases.
The school, which opened in 2012 and serves about 600 students, has assured families that the health and safety of staff and students remain a top priority.
“As the evaluation continues, we encourage community members not to engage in speculation or draw conclusions that are not supported by the facts,” the administrators said. “The health and safety of all of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
The district added that counselling services have been made available to students and staff who may be affected by the situation.
