More testing needed to reach conclusion on alleged cancer cluster in Keyport, N.J., expert says, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/keyport-new-jersey-alleged-cancer-cluster-testing/)
17-09-2026
In Keyport, New Jersey, local residents suspect that the site of a former aircraft manufacturing plant (the Aeromarine site) may be responsible for what they report as around 400 cancer diagnoses in their community.
Key details reported in the CBS News New York story:
Resident Concerns: Community members, including Sal Liguoriwho was diagnosed with leukemia and lost his son to cancer in 2022have raised alarms over an unusually high number of cancer cases near the former industrial site, expressing frustration with decades of perceived neglect and a lack of transparency.
Independent Testing Findings: Dissatisfied with official investigations, residents hired independent scientist Scott Smith to conduct third-party testing on the Aeromarine property and neighboring parcels. At a town hall meeting, Smith revealed that while some properties showed little to no elevated readings, others bordering the site showed elevated levels of known carcinogens, specifically lead, dioxins, and benzo(a)pyrene.
State Regulators’ Position: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) stated that its own recent evaluations showed no drinking water or soil contamination at the site, and it has not designated the area as an official cancer cluster. However, the DEP noted plans to meet regarding Keyport’s environmental concerns on September 22.
Status of the Investigation: Both state officials and the independent expert agree that no final conclusion can be drawn yet. Smith emphasized that additional testingincluding groundwater samplingis necessary to provide definitive answers to the community.