Local News in Brief : Fullerton : No Increase in Cancer Found Near Dump Site

Residents living near the McColl toxic dump site in Fullerton show no increased cancer risk, according to a study released Thursday by county health officials.

The study by the Orange County Cancer Surveillance Program found that 113 cases of cancer were diagnosed in residents of three areas near the dump during 1984 and 1985. In contrast, an analysis of countywide cancer rates established a probability that 119 cases would be detected in the same areas during the period studied.

Results of the study were released Thursday night at a community meeting. Most residents living near the dump said they were relieved but worry that the findings will delay cleanup efforts.

Oil companies used the site during World War II to dump aviation fuel. Recent studies have detected toxic levels of benzene, arsenic and sulfuric acid at the site.

Five oil companies held responsible for dumping the wastes last year proposed a $12.5-million plan to cap the waste and stabilize the ground around the site until a permanent solution can be found. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rejected the plan and proposed a less costly, temporary cover.

The study examined rates of different types of cancer among males and females. About 23,000 people live in the study area.

The incidence of thyroid cancer was higher than expected, but researchers concluded that the results were due to an unknown factor unrelated to exposure from the McColl site and could be a statistical quirk.

The study cautioned that there may have been insufficient exposure time for some forms of cancer to develop.