Cancer in Connecticut - does CT have a higher than normal cancer rate and are environmental issues to blame - Research Paper Example

Cancer in Connecticut By Presented to (02.03 Cancer in Connecticut Because of the increased cases of cancer related deaths in Connecticut, concerns on whether the overall environmental surrounds being carcinogenic are now taking the Centre stage to alleviate these fears. As at the beginning of the year 2010, cancer was the second leading cause of death in America and according to Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC). According to the Environmental and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI), 2003 Connecticut was ranked to have the most alarming cancer related cases in the whole of the United Stated of America with high rates of breast cancer, urinary bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma leading in that list.

Between the period 1970s to 1998, Connecticut has witnessed a constant rise in cancer rates, notably, breasted cancer by 25%, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by 80%and as a result, the state was ranked third in the entire country.Thus, the relationship in cancer cases such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and bladder cancer with carcinogenic environmental exposure in Connecticut is taken in to account in order to try to locate the cause of these widespread cases of cancer and contain them or find a long-term remedy.

Connecticut is notoriously famous for its history with environmental pollution, notably air and water pollution. According to an article by the New York Times (2009), cases of toxic waters were located in Connecticut, which was a clear violation of the Clean Water Act of 1972. The Naval Sub-Base New London located in Groton City had 139 violations and incurred fines amounting to $17000 when it was last inspected on 29 September 2009. Air pollution is also rampant in Connecticut considering the enormous amounts of traffic and motor vehicles, which elevate the diesel exhaust and carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere general.

The cars also emit some lead toxins and other cancerous compounds that are very harmful to the human health. The extensive use of pesticides more so in the application on lawns in Connecticut constitutes to the general increase of air pollution. Two, 4-D pesticide has close links with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The economic activities carried out in Connecticut are also involved in pollution of the environment, i.e. agrochemicals used in the greenhouse, poultry etc. Stone, sand and gravel mining and the manufacturing industries notably the production of transportation equipment for military uses e.g. aircraft parts and submarine.

In general, Connecticut has extremely many superfund sites and however much they have been remediated their inhabitants is at risk of health problems. These sites are highly laden with industrial chemicals, toxic nitrates, solvents and tobacco smoke that are cancerous in nature. Tests carried out on individual chemical’s potential to cause/ induce cancer are still inconclusive and the constant contact of the inhabitants with these toxins, knowingly or unknowingly through air, water or food has been and still is an overwhelming issue.

Steps taken by various institutions in Connecticut in a bid to curb environmental pollutions to date are proving to be effective but very sluggish. Legally, Weitz & Luxenberg litigators came up with claims for residents in Connecticut, which if worn in a court of law enables residents to tap into the superfund trust fund for cleaning up hazardous waste sites. The congress is also looking into the Clean Water Act reviewing the fines on corporates that dump heavy metals such as lead and nickel and other wastes in waterways since such violators are on the steady increase.

The senator for Connecticut State, known for co-sponsoring the Clean Water Restoration Act, which is set to protect all waters in the United States.As cancer is on the rise in Connecticut so are, organizations that encourage early detection are on the rise. In addition, focus support groups such as Connecticut CANCER partnership etc. are on the rise to try to mediate individuals who have this cell killing disease. Generally, people have to know that the early detection of the tumor early enough can be permanently removed and one can live a normal life afterwards.

As environmental pollution, obesity is also a major cancer risk factor. The heightened obesity rates in Connecticut State and the Unites States of America in general, emphasis has to be on nutrition and health as cancer cannot be on environmental degradation alone.Connecticut State is a clear indication of that environmentally induced cancers’ can be disastrous and cripple the lives of Americans, Presidents’ Cancer Panel (2010). ReferencesWeitz & Luxenberg P.C. (2011). Connecticut Environmental Toxins Tort Lawsuits: Fighting Air and Water Pollution.

Retrieved 2nd March, 2012, fromhttp://www.weitzlux.com/environmentalpollution/lawsuit/ct/connecticut_145571.htmlFebruary 11, 2003. Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI) retrieved fromhttp://www.ehhi.org/cancer/pr_cancerrates.shtml