The small town of Coldwater Creek in Missouri is struggling with a growing health crisis. Residents claim their children are dying from rare cancers at an alarming rate, while doctors acknowledge that the area’s history of nuclear waste dumping may be linked to the increasing number of illnesses.
Kim Visintine, whose six-year-old granddaughter was born with a mass on her right ovary, is one of many concerned parents who believe the government is not taking enough action. Just Moms STL, an advocacy group she co-founded, seeks to expose the truth about Coldwater Creek’s toxic legacy and push for compensation for those affected.
Experts say that while there may be some risk associated with living near the creek, it is likely small and not significant enough to justify the widespread claims of illness. However, many residents, including doctors like Dr Gautum Agarwal, believe further study and screening are needed to understand the full extent of the issue.
The US government has acknowledged the concerns but remains tight-lipped about its efforts to address the problem. The EPA has worked with local partners and community members to investigate health concerns, but more needs to be done to reassure residents.
As one resident puts it, “It’s almost a given in our community that at some point we all expect to have some sort of cancer or illness.” The toxic legacy of Coldwater Creek continues to cast a shadow over the lives of those who live there.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e7011n03vo