U.S. Probes Illegal Dumping Charges
Federal health officials, responding to a request by Rep. Carlos Moorehead (R-Glendale), are investigating allegations that toxic chemicals illegally dumped in Placerita Canyon by a defense contractor endangered public health and contributed to four deaths in a family that lived near the plant.
If a preliminary study indicates a possible health risk from the chemicals, the agency will conduct a comprehensive study on the incidence of cancer and other diseases in the community, Mark Bashor, a toxicologist with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, said Friday.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services also is reviewing previous studies on the Space Ordnance Systems plant to determine whether a comprehensive health survey is warranted.
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