Investigation into Brain Tumor Cluster at Colonia High School
A New Jersey man is on a quest for answers after nearly 100 individuals connected to Colonia High School have been diagnosed with rare malignant brain tumors. Al Lupiano, one of the 94 former staff and students affected, is determined to uncover the truth behind this alarming trend.
Al Lupiano’s Commitment
In an interview with NJ.com and the Star-Ledger, Lupiano, 50, expressed his unwavering resolve: “I will not rest until I have answers.” His commitment intensified after he promised his sister on her deathbed to investigate the potential cancer cluster at their alma mater. This personal motivation has driven him to seek clarity on the matter.
Emergency Probe Approved
Following a public outcry led by Lupiano, local officials have initiated an emergency investigation into the school. Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac emphasized the community’s concerns, stating, “There could be a real problem here, and our residents deserve to know if there are any dangers.” The investigation will include various radiological assessments of the school’s 28-acre campus, starting with testing indoor air samples for radon.
Personal Connections to the Disease
Lupiano’s connection to this issue is deeply personal. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at 27, he successfully recovered. However, his wife was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor last year, and on the same day, his younger sister Angela DeCillis learned she too had brain cancer. Following his sister’s death in February, Lupiano became convinced of a link between the Colonia campus and the brain cancers affecting his family.
Gathering Evidence
In a month, Lupiano launched a Facebook group to connect with others who might share similar experiences. Within six weeks, he compiled a list of 94 individuals associated with Colonia High who have developed brain tumors, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The story gained national attention this week, with CBS News reporting on the unsettling trend and a TikTok video amassing over 2.2 million views.
Types of Diagnoses
The majority of those diagnosed graduated between 1975 and 2000, although some recent graduates have also been affected. The diagnoses include various forms of primary brain tumors, such as glioblastoma, acoustic neuromas, and meningiomas. Dr. Sumul Raval, a leading neuro-oncologist, noted the significance of these findings, stating, “Normally speaking, you don’t get radiation in a high school unless something is going on in that area that we don’t know.”
The Role of Ionizing Radiation
Lupiano has expressed concern that ionizing radiation may be the environmental factor contributing to these health issues. He stated, “What I find alarming is there’s truly only one environmental link to primary brain tumors, and that’s ionizing radiation.” He dismissed other potential causes, such as contaminated water or soil, focusing his investigation on radiation exposure.
Historical Context
Colonia High School was built in 1967 on previously undeveloped land. Mayor McCormac has voiced his confusion regarding the source of the cancers, as the school’s history is still being scrutinized. Lupiano has reached out to various state and federal agencies for assistance, indicating that the investigation is in its early stages.
Proximity to Contaminated Sites
Notably, the Middlesex Sampling Plant, less than 12 miles from the school, was involved in uranium processing under the Manhattan Project. Allegations suggest that contaminated soil may have been removed from the site during its closure in 1967, coinciding with the construction of Colonia High School. Lupiano is questioning whether this soil could have ended up on school grounds.
Community Concerns
Currently, Colonia High School enrolls approximately 1,300 students, many of whom are anxious about the potential cancer cluster. Mayor McCormac has assured the community that they are exploring all possible avenues to address the situation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and safety for students and staff alike.
