Lt. Governor John Carney Calls for Expanded Investigation and Analysis of Cancer Causing Toxins

Lt. Governor John Carney today called for the implementation of a statewide Body Burden Study that would rapidly expand the state's ability to investigate and analyze possible cancer causing toxins. The proposed multi-year study would be the most comprehensive in state history and would monitor air quality, water quality, personal behavior and other environmental factors to determine what toxins Delawareans are exposed to and how their bodies react.

"In light of the troubling data that was released recently by the Division of Public Health, this study is critical to answering many questions that all of us have about the state's environment and factors that may contribute to our cancer rates," said Lt. Governor Carney. "A Body Burden Study is not the complete answer, but it is a critical piece of the puzzle that will help us collect and analyze information, and then make it public for the people of our state. Delawareans deserve this and we should start working on it immediately."

Goals of the study include:

• Establishing a baseline of the toxins in our air and bodies
• Providing follow-up for unexpectedly high or low levels of contaminants in specific geographic areas
• Identifying the source of contaminants
• Gathering data about contaminants that affect health in ways other than cancer
• Allowing pilot studies for specific areas that would yield detailed exposure data

The cost of the study could be significant. It will be determined through a request for proposal process. Lt. Governor Carney proposes using the significant reserves of the state Tobacco Fund to pay for at least the first year.

For more information, please call Lt. Governor Carney's office at (302) 577-8787.