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Cancer Concerns Prompt Carlsbad Residents To Raise Funds For Environmental Testing

Cancer Concerns Prompt Carlsbad Residents To Raise Funds For Environmental Testing
A group of people living in Carlsbad plan to raise money to test for toxic substances at public schools, parks and other areas. The residents are worried that contaminants in the air, water and soil might be making them sick.

Parents and teachers again called on the Carlsbad school district this week to test for heavy metals and pesticides in the soil, air and water. They want testing to begin at Kelly Elementary School.

Several teachers and former students have developed cancer. The district reiterated its position it won't test until public health officials are finished analyzing data.

John Quartarone whose 16-year-old son Chase died in December from lymphoma says residents are left with little choice but to raise money to do the testing themselves.

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"It's a health problem for all of Carlsbad and action needs to be taken immediately," Quartarone said.

Testing at other school sites before construction showed levels of arsenic, chlordane and dieldrin that required removal.