The City of Laredo Health Department Reports Additional Assessment of Cancers
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Oct 22, 2022, 0 Comments
Courtesy Eliseo Ceja,
Laredo, Texas – In an effort to track morbidity and mortality of cancers due to recent reports of EtO emissions in the community, the City of Laredo Health Department requested the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to design and implement a cancer assessment in a combined three census tract area in January 2022. Following the results from the report published in July, the City of Laredo Health Department requested an additional cancer assessment with the expansion of additional census tracts. The geographic areas of concern are in the northwest district, including the San Isidro and Mines Rd. area. Additionally, the area from Father McNaboe Park down to Paso Del Norte Industrial Park, and up to IH35.
Although some of the data demonstrates more recorded cases than the expected amount (two of the six cancers), it is important to note that the assessment does have limitations, including lifestyle factors not being available to identify causes or origin. Different cancers vary in causes and origins and may not share the same factors. The City of Laredo Health Department will continue requesting support from DSHS to perform additional cancer assessments (different census tracts). Laredo Health will share the completed assessments once produced.
The City of Laredo Health Department is collaborating with DSHS, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC), and the Clean Air Laredo Coalition (CALC) to design, implement, and assess air quality monitoring in the community.
