Colonia Brain Tumor Investigation Over, Mayor Says, While Criticizing Brain Scan Sites

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Woodbridge's mayor said the investigation into radiation at Colonia High School possibly being linked to a number of brain tumors in alumni and former employees is closed.

"It is widely known that ionizing radiation is the main cause of primary brain tumors. We tested the inside and outside the building and found no such signs of radiation," Mayor John McCormac said in a video message posted June 30.

"The Township and the Board now consider this case to be closed," he said.

Last week, McCormac and state officials announced these findings and said both air and soil tests showed no signs of radon or radiation contamination.

"We should now be thankful that there is no evidence that any primary brain tumors were caused by radiation in or around Colonia High School," McCormac said Thursday. "We sympathize with victims of this awful disease and stand ready, willing, and able to assist should any additional testing be suggested by those in authority."

"For months people said they hoped we would find nothing and we in fact found nothing, and we are thrilled that we didn’t and we hope that everybody else is also."

McCormac also chastised community members who tried to set up MRI brain scan sites in the township.

"We, as Woodbridge officials, have an obligation to ensure the public safety of our residents and visitors. It is completely baffling that anyone could think they could just perform medical testing in a nonmedical facility in our Township without some type of permit."

In mid April, the town of Woodbridge hired an outside environmental testing firm to test for elevated radon levels in the air at the high school. This was in response to findings from environmental scientist Al Lupiano of an unusually high number of brain cancers and brain tumors in Colonia High School graduates, now all adults.

Lupiano said he has now found approximately 115 cases of people with cancer or brain tumors who either worked at or attended Colonia High School from 1975-1999. Lupiano has been publishing all of his research on his personal Facebook page.

The testing started April 9 and lasted for two weeks. Testers left radon canisters at the school for 14 days, which will test for elevated levels of radon. Woodbridge Township hired T&M Associates and Cabrera Services, Inc. to do the radon testing, paying them $221,350.

Except for when it was closed for spring break, Colonia High School has been open this entire time the testing was done, with thousands of students and teachers streaming in and out of the building each day.

Related stories:

• Woodbridge, State Say Testing Finds No Cancer-Causing Hazards At High School
• Brain Tumor Link To Colonia High School 'Credible,' Town's Mayor Says

Patch reporter Carly Baldwin contributed to this report.