Breast Cancer Cases Among Teachers At MA School Prompt Investigation

UXBRIDGE, MA — An investigation is underway after several female teachers at one high school were diagnosed with breast cancer or precancerous conditions.

Uxbridge Public Schools said Monday it contacted the Massachusetts Department of Public Health after learning about the cases and is working with epidemiologists, environmental experts and other scientists to review possible environmental factors at Uxbridge High School.

“It is of course possible that these multiple cases are not connected to one another, but out of an abundance of caution, we are looking into any environmental factors at the school that may be a factor in their diagnoses,” Superintendent David Ljungberg and Uxbridge High School Principal Michael Rubin said in a letter sent to the school district on Monday.

DPH officials have told the district there is no evidence of immediate danger in the building and no reason to limit access to or use of the facility at this time, according to the district.

DPH is scheduled to visit the school Thursday to conduct air quality testing.

State and local officials are reviewing several factors, including the school’s interior and exterior infrastructure, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and HVAC systems, indoor and outdoor air quality and the history of the property where the high school was built in 2012.

The district said water supply has been ruled out as a risk factor after testing.

Health officials are also reviewing information about the diagnosed women, including age, medical history, genetic history and specific diagnoses, to assess whether there is a statistical likelihood of a common cause. The district said officials have contacted the women to request information and are respecting their confidentiality.

“It is important to note that DPH officials have cautioned that in workplace investigations, finding an environmental ‘smoking gun’ is rare,” Ljungberg and Rubin said. “However, even if a direct causal link is not established, the administration is utilizing this process to rigorously test the building and guarantee that it meets all safety standards moving forward.”

The district said it will keep the school community informed about any developments.

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