HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A cancer cluster found in eastern Harris County could be linked to the polluted San Jacinto River.
The Department of State Health Services investigated eastern Harris County after community concerns. The test revealed greater-than-expected incidences of childhood cancers of the eyes, skin and brain near the San Jacinto River close to an EPA Superfund sight.
Health officials plan to investigate further.
The elevated incidences of childhood cancers is no surprise to Highlands resident Cheryl Bebee, whose grandson Christopher was born with cancer.
"I think it was from the dioxin in the water, because my daughter and I spent a lot of time that summer she was pregnant in the river," Bebee said.
Bebee said her 8-year-old grandson is now cancer-free, but he does wage a daily battle against other health issues.
Residents in the area have filed lawsuits against the companies that created the pollution decades ago.