UXBRIDGE, Mass.- Several female teachers at Uxbridge High School have been diagnosed with breast cancer or precancerous conditions in recent years, prompting school officials and state health authorities to investigate whether any environmental factors may be involved.
In a June 1 letter to families and staff, Superintendent David Ljungberg and Principal Michael Rubin said the district is working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Uxbridge Board of Health to determine whether any environmental conditions at the school may have contributed to the cases.
Officials said it is possible the cases are unrelated, but they are pursuing the investigation as a precaution.
The district said state health officials have indicated there is no evidence of an immediate danger within the building and no reason to restrict access to or use of the facility at this time.
Department of Public Health officials are scheduled to conduct air quality testing at the high school on June 4 as part of the ongoing evaluation. Classes and school activities will continue as scheduled during the inspection, according to the district.
School officials said they contacted the Department of Public Health and local health authorities as soon as they became aware of the situation. Since then, epidemiologists, environmental experts and other scientists have been involved in reviewing potential environmental factors.
The investigation includes assessments of the school’s infrastructure, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical and HVAC systems, as well as indoor and outdoor air quality. Investigators are also reviewing the history of the property where the school was built. Uxbridge High School opened in 2012.
The district said state officials have ruled out the school’s water supply as a potential risk factor following testing.
Health officials are also reviewing information related to the cancer cases, including age, medical history, family history, diagnoses and other factors, to determine whether there may be common causes. According to the district, officials have contacted the women who were diagnosed and requested information to assist with the evaluation.
School leaders said they are protecting the privacy of those involved and asked community members not to engage in speculation while the investigation continues.
District officials said the Department of Public Health will release a public report once the evaluation is complete. The report is expected to detail testing results and identify any hazards found during the investigation.
Officials said the review is intended to ensure the building meets all applicable safety standards, regardless of whether investigators identify a direct connection between the diagnoses and any environmental conditions at the school.
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