A Boston-area hospital, Mass General Brigham Newton-Wellesley Hospital, is investigating after 11 employees on the fifth-floor maternity unit reported health concerns, with five developing benign brain tumors. The hospital found no environmental risks linked to the tumors, ruling out disposable masks, water supply, x-rays, and chemotherapy as causes. The Massachusetts Nurses Association is continuing an independent investigation, stating that the hospital’s testing was not comprehensive. The union argues that the hospital cannot dismiss the issue by providing a predetermined conclusion. A state agency and federal occupational health and safety officials have not provided conclusive information on the matter. The American Cancer Society notes that cancer clusters must have the same type of cancer, in the same area, with the same cause, and affect more people than expected to be considered a cluster. The society also highlights that cancer is common in the United States, with nearly four out of 10 people developing it in their lifetimes. The investigation at the hospital is ongoing, with the focus on determining if there is a connection between the brain tumors and the work environment on the fifth-floor maternity unit.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
