Editorial: Leukemia study needs more funds

Wednesday, March 28, 2001 | 9:01 a.m.

The Nevada Legislature should immediately approve the use of $1 million to help boost a state investigation to determine why there has been an outbreak of childhood leukemia in the Northern Nevada town of Fallon. Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga, D-Fallon, told the Assembly Ways and Means Committee this week that the funds would be used to help pay for blood and tissue tests of victims, environmental testing and a public information program to keep Fallon residents abreast of the investigation.

State health officials are baffled by what may have led to 12 confirmed cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia of children in a town that only has about 8,000 residents. Some researchers believe some of the likely culprits could be viral or bacterial infections. While arsenic isn't known as a cause of leukemia, an Environmental Protection Agency official suggested this possibility be explored further because the town's drinking water has higher than recommended levels of this carcinogen. Also being looked at by de Braga is the Fallon Naval Air Station to assess whether any activities at the base may have played a role, such as a jet fuel pipeline that runs through the town on its way to the base. The possibilities seem endless, and it could be that none of the speculation so far has yet identified what the true source may be. That is why it is crucial that th e state move fast in helping find a cause.

Typically one-time funding requests aren't authorized by the Legislature until its closing days. Indeed, what often ends up getting approved are pork-barrel projects that are secured by those in leadership positions. In this case, however, any delays would be intolerable. Parents and children in Fallon understandably are worried what is happening there. The least the state can do is provide investigators with enough funds to find out what is causing harm to so many children.