INSIDER
EPA holds meeting updating Fifth Ward residents on testing for toxic chemicals
Read full article: EPA holds meeting updating Fifth Ward residents on testing for toxic chemicalsThe area was designated as a cancer cluster in 2019 when it was found that significantly higher than normal diagnoses of the deadly disease were found among residents of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods.
Cancer Cluster: What kind of cancer are the residents in Houston’s Fifth Ward being diagnosed with?
Read full article: Cancer Cluster: What kind of cancer are the residents in Houston’s Fifth Ward being diagnosed with?Crews from Union Pacific have started another round of testing in Houston’s Fifth Ward to determine whether or not the area contains dangerous chemicals for its residents.
Fifth Ward cancer clusters: The toxic chemicals found and most common illnesses related
Read full article: Fifth Ward cancer clusters: The toxic chemicals found and most common illnesses relatedWe've been discussing the Fifth Ward cancer cluster for years, but have you ever wondered what chemicals were found and what health risks they might pose? We have looked into some of the chemicals found in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden areas and listed the health effects,
Union Pacific, EPA will begin soil testing at various locations in Fifth Ward
Read full article: Union Pacific, EPA will begin soil testing at various locations in Fifth WardKPRC 2 has been covering the cancer clusters in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens area extensively over the past few years. We will also have the opportunity Thursday to watch crews sample the soil at Boyce Dorian Park and speak with a project manager to learn how the process works.
EPA meets with residents in Houston’s Fifth Ward cancer cluster
Read full article: EPA meets with residents in Houston’s Fifth Ward cancer clusterThe Environmental Protection Agency provided an update Tuesday night to people living in Houston’s Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens on the investigation into a cancer cluster.
‘They don’t care about us:’ Houston cancer cluster residents feel ignored as they battle rail giant
Read full article: ‘They don’t care about us:’ Houston cancer cluster residents feel ignored as they battle rail giantIn recent months, environmental investigators have been on the hunt for toxic chemicals with robotic rovers in the long-standing communities of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens.
Fifth Ward cancer cluster: EPA to address testing of chemicals residents say have plagued community
Read full article: Fifth Ward cancer cluster: EPA to address testing of chemicals residents say have plagued communityThe conversations surrounding the Fifth Ward ‘Cancer Cluster’ continue for dozens of residents in that Houston neighborhood.
Private firm collecting samples of land near controversial Fifth Ward railyard
Read full article: Private firm collecting samples of land near controversial Fifth Ward railyardSoil samples were being collected by a private company in a community inside the Fifth Ward where residents have been claiming the earth is contaminated, resulting in illnesses including cancer.
Mayor Whitmire says he needs more time to sort out plan to help residents move out of Fifth Ward cancer cluster
Read full article: Mayor Whitmire says he needs more time to sort out plan to help residents move out of Fifth Ward cancer clusterDuring a city council meeting on Wednesday, newly-elected John Whitmire decided not to vote on a major agenda item this week, which involves a $2 million investment to help Fifth Ward residents being impacted by cancer clusters.
75-year-old shares story about Fifth Ward cancer cluster and how it impacted her life
Read full article: 75-year-old shares story about Fifth Ward cancer cluster and how it impacted her lifeThe cancer cluster in Houston’s Fifth ward affecting hundreds of families is something we discuss all the time in our newsroom.
Summit sheds light on cancer cluster, elder fraud, Boy Scouts recruiting members, and more on Houston Newsmakers
Read full article: Summit sheds light on cancer cluster, elder fraud, Boy Scouts recruiting members, and more on Houston NewsmakersKhambrel Marshall spoke to officials about the cancer cluster in Firth Ward reportedly caused by creosote and about a summit held to obtain answers for the community.
Toxic train derailment in Ohio resonates with resident’s living in Houston ‘Cancer Cluster’
Read full article: Toxic train derailment in Ohio resonates with resident’s living in Houston ‘Cancer Cluster’A train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in an Ohio town earlier this month, sending smoke plumes over the town of East Palestine.
Firth Ward residents still pleading for action on cancer cluster found in neighborhood
Read full article: Firth Ward residents still pleading for action on cancer cluster found in neighborhoodThe residents want Union Pacific to take responsibility for the health problems they say have plagued their community for years.
EPA announced sweeping measures to improve the environmental health of communities in the south
Read full article: EPA announced sweeping measures to improve the environmental health of communities in the southThe Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced sweeping measures meant to improve the environmental health of communities throughout the south, including parts of Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, overwhelmed by a long-known cancer cluster.
EPA chief visits Fifth Ward neighborhood where cancer cluster identified
Read full article: EPA chief visits Fifth Ward neighborhood where cancer cluster identifiedResidents of the Fifth Ward neighborhood that is designated as a “cancer cluster” said their fight for justice was galvanized Friday with a visit from a top administrator from the federal government.
Fifth Ward residents demand answers from Union Pacific Railroad about cancer cluster found in neighborhood
Read full article: Fifth Ward residents demand answers from Union Pacific Railroad about cancer cluster found in neighborhoodThe Environmental Protection Agency has given United Pacific Railroad until the end of the month to respond to a request for an action plan regarding the cleanup of a contaminated site in Houston’s Fifth Ward, which is believed to be the source of a cancer cluster.
State health report finds alarming rate of cancer diagnosis among children in 5th ward
Read full article: State health report finds alarming rate of cancer diagnosis among children in 5th wardIn 2020, a state health and human services report found higher rates of lung, esophagus and throat cancer among adults in the area. Now, a new report released earlier in January shows children sickened with Leukemia at nearly five times the expected rate. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is calling on Union Pacific and state agencies to get involved and care for these families. Both cancer clusters are near legacy creosote contamination at a facility now owned by Union Pacific. “I am requesting that Union Pacific help to relocate affected residents and create a buffer between contaminated areas and homes in the neighborhood.
City health officials survey families in ‘cancer cluster’ neighborhoods
Read full article: City health officials survey families in ‘cancer cluster’ neighborhoodsWhy the Survey Matters“We know that the contaminants in the groundwater plume are carcinogenic and we know that this community has a cancer cluster—that means elevated cancer cases—and the TCEQ actually requested the cancer cluster analysis,” Dr. Lauren Hopkins, the Houston Health Department’s Chief Environmental Science Officer, said. Hopkins said they know that there is a carcinogenic chemical plume contaminating underground water underneath approximately 110 homes in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens. A Community in ActionThe study sparked a fiery response from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, as well as Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the Houston Health Department and community groups. IMPACT Greater Houston and the Houston Health Department informed residents about the community meetings on January 13 and February 10, when the Houston Health Department plans to release the results of Saturday’s survey. Jackson-Lee is also working with the state and federal officials and planning a large-scale stakeholder meeting on January 21 in the Fifth Ward at 7 p.m.