UA scientists to launch study of Sierra Vista leukemia cases

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UA scientists to launch study of Sierra Vista leukemia cases

Associated Press

1/26/2002 10:40 am

Schools poll offers officials little cost-cutting help

Two University of Arizona scientists are launching an independent probe into

the rate of childhood leukemia cases in Sierra Vista, about 55 miles south

of here.

The number of cases in the small military town has jumped to eight in the

last five years, pushing the rate to more than double the national average,

said UA pediatric oncologist Hutter. The latest case was diagnosed just

last month, he said.

Pediatric research professor Mark Witten and microbiology and immunology

professor are frustrated by the state's failure to investigate.

They want to investigate on their own under the controversial theory that

exposure to toxic jet fuel from military flights in the area is a prime

suspect in the Sierra Vista outbreak, as well as others around the country.

The small city is home to the U.S. Army's Fort Huachuca and Libby Army

Airfield.

However, Hutter stressed that no cause of leukemia has ever been confirmed

and warned against frightening parents without proof.

" We have to be very careful at this point about alarming people about what

may or may not be real in the Sierra Vista situation, " he said. " The fact is

we don't have the answers yet. "

It has not been proven that exposure to jet fuel particulates cause cancer

in humans, but it does in animals, said Witten, who has studied the toxic

effects of jet fuel for the past decade.

Witten recently appeared on CBS's " 60 Minutes II " to discuss his suspicions

that it may be a factor in an even larger childhood leukemia cluster in

Fallon, Nev., a major military fighter jet training site.

" I do think jet fuel is a factor in many leukemia clusters in the U.S. _

exposure to it is the one thing they all have in common. But I don't have

the scientific proof yet, " he said.

Arizona health officials had pledged in September to begin a study in Sierra

Vista, however, Witten said nothing has been done so far. Plans to interview

the affected families, map their locations and gather information on

possible toxic exposures in Sierra Vista have fallen through in the five

months since the leukemia cases first became public knowledge.

" So we decided, OK, we will form our own scientific team and do our own

study, and see if we can find out anything that may be putting children at

risk here, " Witten said. " We think it's time to be proactive, and we want to

do the highest quality science. That's the bottom line. "

Witten, who will be working with microbiology and immunology professor

and University of New Mexico geneticist Montgomery, said the

team will apply for funding grants from the National Cancer Institute and

environmental groups to support the Sierra Vista study.

The three researchers announced their plans at a recent public meeting held

in Sierra Vista.

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