In February, the quiet town of Keyport, New Jersey, became the focal point of growing concern as a local resident began documenting an alarming concentration of cancer cases. This investigation revealed that as many as 28 individuals on a single street were grappling with various forms of cancer. Fast forward to the present, and nearly 400 cancer cases have been reported in the area, encompassing a spectrum that includes lung, prostate, brain, stomach, colon, thyroid, breast, appendix, and kidney cancers.
Residents are increasingly anxious about the possibility that they are living in a cancer cluster—defined by the American Cancer Society as a geographic area where a higher-than-expected number of cancer cases occurs over a specified time frame. Although no official designation has been made in Keyport, the rising number of serious illnesses has heightened fears among the community.
Keyport’s Mayor, Rose P. Araneo, has been engaged in discussions with residents about potential environmental hazards linked to the nearby Aeromarine Landfill. This site has become a focal point of scrutiny, as locals suspect that toxins from the landfill are infiltrating both the water and soil, contributing to the spike in cancer cases. Historical data indicates that the New Jersey Department of Health conducted tests in 2010, revealing a significant presence of carcinogens in the landfill area. Despite this alarming finding, cleanup efforts have stalled, leaving the community exposed to harmful substances.
Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. has voiced frustration over the situation, highlighting that despite numerous violations and nearly a million dollars in unpaid fines, the landfill remains a persistent threat to public health. Independent testing conducted recently revealed that the same hazardous chemicals are still present, indicating a lack of progress over the past 16 years since the last official state survey.
A comprehensive evaluation of the site involved testing thirteen wells at the Aeromarine landfill, with all samples showing at least one toxic metal exceeding state safety standards. Notable contaminants include arsenic, lead, aluminum, cobalt, iron, manganese, and sodium. The presence of arsenic is particularly concerning due to its established link to cancer, while lead poses risks to neurological health, especially in children. Furthermore, aluminum exposure has been implicated in increased risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and iron accumulation can adversely affect organ function.
The situation is exacerbated by the detection of benzene and vinyl chloride in five of the thirteen wells, both of which are recognized carcinogens. Benzene is notably associated with blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), while vinyl chloride has been linked to various malignancies including liver, brain, and lung cancers, as well as lymphoma and leukemia.
In a striking revelation, EPA whistleblower Scott Smith conducted additional testing outside the landfill and at nearby residential properties, uncovering levels of carcinogens—specifically PCB and dioxin—well above the EPA’s threshold for concern. His findings indicated a staggering 31 parts per trillion of toxins in the soil, a figure that far exceeds the EPA’s acceptable limit.
Despite the alarming data, the New Jersey Department of Health asserts that they have not confirmed any direct pathways for human exposure to contamination. Their stance indicates that, as of now, officials have not identified a mechanism through which the toxins could migrate from the landfill into the bodies of local residents. However, experts like Judith T. Zelikoff, a toxicology professor at NYU, suggest that certain carcinogens can easily disperse through soil, raising questions about potential water contamination.
The geographical reality of Keyport complicates the situation further. The area is prone to flooding, which could facilitate the movement of contaminants into residential areas. Journalist Karin Price Mueller, who has closely followed the developments, notes that the community frequently experiences flooding, raising critical questions about whether water could serve as a conduit for toxins.
As the Department of Environmental Protection prepares to release further findings and analyses, a sense of urgency permeates the community. Pacer Partners, currently under contract to manage the landfill site, has announced plans for cleanup and development of the waterfront area, though they have ruled out residential properties on the site to mitigate health risks.
In conclusion, the unfolding situation in Keyport underscores the vital need for transparent environmental assessments and timely remediation efforts. As the community grapples with the potential implications of living near a hazardous site, the intersection of public health and environmental regulation remains a pressing concern, warranting close attention from both local authorities and state officials. The residents of Keyport deserve clarity and action as they navigate these troubling circumstances, underscoring the broader importance of environmental stewardship and public health advocacy in safeguarding communities across the nation.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
