Massachusetts DPH to Test Air at 600-Student Uxbridge High After Several Cancer Cases
Updated
Updated · Boston Herald · Jun 2
Massachusetts DPH to Test Air at 600-Student Uxbridge High After Several Cancer Cases
3 articles · Updated · Boston Herald · Jun 2
Summary
Thursday air-quality tests at Uxbridge High School will examine whether several teachers’ breast cancer or precancerous diagnoses could share an environmental link.
School leaders told families Monday that state health officials see no immediate danger and have not advised limiting access to the building.
Water has already been ruled out after thorough testing, while investigators are now reviewing interior and exterior infrastructure — including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems.
The 123,000-square-foot school, built in 2012 for $45 million, is also gathering medical data from affected staff as officials assess whether any connection exists.
State officials told the district that finding a workplace environmental “smoking gun” is rare, but the review will still be used to verify the building meets safety standards.