News update on the Acreage Florida cancer cluster investigation

Weitz & Luxenberg is no longer accepting cases concerning the Acreage cancer cluster. This information is provided for informational purposes only.

Our lawyers are currently speaking with families in the Acreage, Florida. Please contact us via the form below to receive regular updates on our possible lawsuit.

Question: Why are 2008 cases not in the Level I analysis of The Acreage, Florida?
Answer: The most recent year available for analysis from the Florida Cancer Data System was 2007. Cases diagnosed in 2008 were discussed in the report and although not in the original analysis, will be interviewed in Level II. Hospitals, labs, physicians and other medical providers that provide data to the cancer registry have six months to report data, therefore cases diagnosed in December of 2008 had until July 2009 to report to FCDS. Late reporters to the FCDS are being followed up with at this time. Once reported, data is checked, missing data is requested, and other verification occurs such that a calendar year of cancer data from FCDS is not routinely available until the end of the next calendar year. 2008 calendar year FCDS data is expected to become provisionally available in November or December of 2009. This is standard practice among cancer registries. In summary, the Acreage study—Level I—was started before verifiable information for 2008 was available.

Question: As part of the Level II review, who will be interviewed from the Acreage area?
Answer: Families that have experienced cases of brain cancers among children newborn through age 19 that were diagnosed from 2000-2008.

Question: What does Level II mean? What is included in a Level II review?
Answer: The Level II review will recalculate cancer rates using more recent population estimates; verify if any particular brain cancer is more common than expected; and describe the residence history and other risk factors of pediatric brain cancer cases through interviews.

Question: How long will the Level II study take?
Answer: A time line has not been set for completion of the Level II Acreage cancer study. DOH will provide additional information regarding the time line when it is available.

Question: Where are new population estimates coming from? Do we need to wait for the next census data?
Answer: Experts from the DOH Central Office are working with Palm Beach County to identify the best source of data for the Level II calculations. They are working in tandem to assess the viability of using a variety of data sources.

Question: I want to have my well water tested. Who do I contact?
Answer: Below is a partial list of Certified Environmental Laboratories in Palm Beach County.

Question: Why are only cancers included in the study?
Answer: The Level I study looked at total cancers and brain cancers in the Acreage area. The original request involved pediatric brain cancers, which was able to be reviewed using these data sources. In addition, brain tumors registered from 2004 to the present were also reviewed. Diseases that are not routinely part of DOH surveillance systems (including symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches and others) were not part of the Level I study and are not able to be explored in the Level II study since DOH has no way of assessing their frequency community-wide or comparing the experience in the Acreage to any other community.

Question: When is the next Acreage community meeting?
Answer: The Palm Beach County Health Department is working with the Department of Environmental Protection as they are planning to organize the requested forum with Pratt & Whitney. Date, time and place will be posted on the PBCHD website as soon as it is confirmed.

Question: When will we know about testing results from the water and soil in our area?
Answer: DEP has posted the latest report results at www.dep.state.fl.us Based on the findings from the DOH Level II analysis interview process, additional testing may be done on water, soil or air.

Question: What can I do to protect my family?
Answer: Many agencies and people are working hard to assure the safety and health of all Floridians. At this time, no additional protective measures are recommended.

Find out about a possible Acreage Lawsuit
If you have lived in Acreage and been affected by pollution, we may be able to help. Please complete the form below for a free legal review of your potential environmental lawsuit. A representative of our firm will be in touch shortly.

For more information on the class action lawsuit for the BP Oil Spill please click on this link.

see also:

Radon Testing Acreage Radon Tests Commence | Weitz & Luxenberg Environmental Lawyers
Are there elevated levels of radon in your Acreage home? Contact us

10-8-09 Meeting Erin Brockovich Acreage Lawsuits | Weitz & Luxenberg
Acreage residents consider lawsuits amid ongoing cancer cluster study

Background Acreage Brain Cancer | Weitz & Luxenberg Lawyers Investigate
Did pollution in the Acreage cause brain cancer? Free lawsuit review