Statement of Mark Serotoff
Townline Civic Association
Environmental Carcinogens on Long Island, New York

The importance of addressing the epidemic of cancer on Long Island cannot be overemphasized. One-in-nine incidence of breast cancer, high levels of pancreatic, esophageal, brain cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, lung, testicular, colon, stomach, melanoma, multiple myelomas, liver, kidney, bladder cancers and more are common. Such diverse presentations result from varied causes: ingestion by mouth, skin, and respiration.

Ingestion includes exposure to chemicals in food and water. An inspection of the year 2000 water quality statement from South Huntington Water District reveals permissible levels of: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Tetrachloroethane, Trichloroethene, Bromodichloromethane, Chlorodibromomethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,2- Dichloropropane, nitrates (fertilizers); all carcinogens. Most other water district reports have similar levels of "acceptable" carcinogens. Farming on Long Island is the largest dollarwise in the state and carcinogenic residues may be found on the produce, again, within "acceptable" government standards.

There are five incinerators distributed around Long Island and over a dozen power plants, with potentially a dozen more due to deregulation. All use fossil-fuel and emit millions of pounds a year of carcinogens in the form of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. Because these are on an ISLAND, there are very few suitable locations for minimum impact on the population and environment. In some neighborhoods, more than one of these major stationary sources are side-by-side. Some existing, or proposed, are close to homes, schools, hospitals and parks.

The unique topography and meteorology of Long Island result in numerous stagnant days, especially in the ozone season (May to October). Exposure to the aforementioned carcinogens as well as other pollutants is significantly higher to the general population during such times. Furthermore, the dearth of mass transit has resulted in an extraordinary number of vehicle and truck (high-polluting diesel) trips that add carcinogens and other pollutants to the air. In fact, the DEC has classified Long Island for over eight years as a "non-attainment region'' for ozone. That also implies high levels of the other pollutants that cause heart/lung damage and cancer.

The proliferation of cellular communications has resulted in countless cell towers and antennas that dot the Long Island landscape. These are suspected of have carcinogenic effects. Some towers with dozens of stations (antennae) are adjacent to dense residential clusters. In addition, the same applies to high tension fines. Both will become more prevalent with time.

Blessed with hundreds of miles of shoreline, sunbathers have ample opportunity of sun exposure which is associated with melanoma.

THE NATURE OF A CARCINOGEN IS SUCH THAT THERE IS NO SAFE LIMIT OF EXPOSURE. The Delaney Amendment prohibited chemicals, compounds or additives in food or drugs that showed any laboratory cancer causation. It has since been repealed under industry pressure as too costly. The next question is, "To what degree will these carcinogens be removed from the environment?" or better, "How much are we prepared to spend?" The current situation is unacceptable; additional (and more costly) steps must be taken: If we want improved health and quality-of-life, we must pay for it.

Residue on food can be reduced or eliminated by organic methods of farming and more thorough cleaning. People will have to be educated to accept good produce with cosmetic defects. Enact stricter standards for residue.

Activated charcoal filters of greater sensitivity and more stringent water purification and standards must be used until chemicals are non-detectable in the potable water. Greater enforcement and stricter regulations must be in place to prevent contamination of the sole-source aquifer water supply. Less strict standards can be in place for industrial processes, which may cut costs. Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 7 is a good example of a law meant to protect the aquifer by prohibiting bulk storage of hazardous chemicals over deep-recharge zones. However, it needs to be updated and is being challenged by power producers, for example, that want to store hundreds of thousands of gallons of hazardous liquids over prohibited aquifer recharge zones.

A relatively simple solution exists regarding the incinerators: shut them ALL down. New York City has done it, with a considerably larger population than Long Island. Turn the incinerators into refuse-concentrating and recycling centers, and follow the NYC method of disposal.

Regarding the absurdly high number of proposals for generators on Long Island, mostly by out-of-state companies, a regional energy plan must be formulated that will allow only the number of new power plants that will be needed to meet expected demand, AFTER much greater effort is made using renewables, efficiency and conservation. Any new generators must be placed at existing sites, or as far from vulnerable populations as possible. Tighten industrial emission standards.

Highly-polluting diesels in heavy trucks may have their effects reduced by night deliveries, with stricter and frequent inspections to assure peak engine operation. A light rail line on, under or above the LIE could lessen commercial traffic. Reinstate the "luxury" tax to discourage gas guzzlers, with tax credits for economical vehicles. Another possibility is to use the waterways and barge trucks or goods to distribution depots. Rethink uncontrolled growth, development and sprawl. The more there is, the more power plants and vehicle trips are required.

Cell towers and antennae must be isolated from homes and schools if possible. Satellite communication is an alternative, as well as a highway antenna wire using lower power, as in the tunnels. Melanoma from sun exposure can be reduced by public education including sunscreens and body examinations.

The highest standard of living in the world has been achieved in America with Long Island as a microcosm, but it has come with a price, an epidemic of cancer. The solutions are known. Proven methods and technology exist to greatly ameliorate the problem, but will we pay the bill?