Residents looking for answers in cancer cluster

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Heath officials said they will do more testing at a South Florida community after high levels of cancer was found.

The Florida Department of Health and the State Department of Environmental Protection came together Tuesday night for another meeting with Acreage residents to discuses that more tests should be done for the cancer cluster in Palm Beach County. "Everything is taking them so long. I mean, they should have had answers by now," said Acreage resident Tammy Deloue.

Health officials cannot say why they found elevated levels of pediatric brain and central nervous system cancers, and why it's hitting young girls more than boys. The only assurance they gave to residents is that more testing will be done. "It's everyone. It's not only the kids, and we are concerned about our kids, of course we are," said Hilda Veldez.

Residents are frustrated and want answers soon. "They didn't tell us much. We wanted answers," said Acreage resident J.R. Tagen.

The water and soil in 12 houses where children contracted cancer will be tested this week, along with gamma radiation at the houses.

The Department of Environmental Protection did recent tests and found some water wells in the Acreage neighborhood with elevated levels of radiation and other radioactive substances but said, in general, the ground water quality is good.

Residents hope that after the next round of testing, officials will finally be able to determine the cause of the cancer cluster. "My body is developing all types of cysts all over. I have one in my brain," said Aida Alicia.

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