A recent federal health study revealed an increased incidence of brain cancer and lymphoma cancer in a Salisbury, North Carolina Milford Hills neighborhood, and neighbors are worried. According to the recent study conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, groundwater is contaminated with petroleum and solvents under four nearby industrial plants, including a former North Carolina Department of Transportation asphalt-testing site. An earlier state study had traced hydrogen sulfide to an asphalt plant near Milford Hills. Hydrogen sulfide has not been linked to brain cancer and lymphoma. However, some studies have found increased brain cancers among asphalt workers.

Health officials have stated that the results of the study may have little meaning and will meet with the neighborhood residents this evening to discuss the report. Dr. Richard Weisler, a Raleigh physician who grew up in Milford Hills, and whose mother died of cancer, has studied cancer in the neighborhood for several years. "Obviously, a group of volunteers turned up something that they missed," Dr. Weisler said. Dr. Weisler is critical of state agencies for not aggressively investigating the illnesses and cleaning up pollution. State health officials question Dr. Weisler's public statements.

It is, at times, difficult to get a bearing of clear perspective, especially when the information from experts about a study they have done, seems to sound like a mobius strip of risk - no risk - risk. A study that shows increased rates of cancer followed by a statement that the study may have little meaning - to being told there are no known environmental cancer risks in the area followed by a statement that the groundwater is contaminated with cancer causing toxins. No wonder the neighbors of Milford Hills are worried.