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The Missouri Cancer Advisory Inquiry Committee convened on Wednesday to address growing health concerns surrounding Warren Hills Elementary School in Liberty, Missouri.
Despite mounting pressure from parents, the committee opted not to launch a formal cancer inquiry at this time, citing the need for additional environmental test results from the school.
Parents Voice Concerns Over Student Health
For many families, the delay is a source of continued stress and anxiety. Tina Sun, a mother of three children who have attended the school over the past two years, expressed fears over potential long-term exposure to hazardous substances.
“You can be exposed to something and then have symptoms much later in life,” she said. One of her sons reportedly felt unwell frequently during his time at the school, prompting her suspicion that something in the school environment may be contributing to illness.
Committee Awaiting More Data to Act
The Clay County Health Center (CCHC) has requested the extension of a cancer cluster investigation initially conducted in 2022. The latest request seeks to determine whether the perceived increase in cancer cases is valid or merely coincidental.
According to Jim Pruitt, Operations Manager at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Cancer Inquiry Committee did not conduct the 2022 investigation, but is now closely monitoring the situation.
Test results collected earlier have not yet shown any alarming detections, according to Michelle Hartman, who works in the Health and Risk Assessment Program.
However, more comprehensive testing, currently underway by the Liberty School District, is expected to yield results later this summer.
Breast Cancer Rates and Statistical Variability
Senior Epidemiologist Joseline Hernandez presented data showing that Clay County’s breast cancer rates have fluctuated over the years—with some years being statistically higher than Missouri’s average, while others showed no significant deviation.
Hernandez added that these variations can stem from several factors, including disruption in medical diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic, population density, and access to healthcare.
Federal Agencies May Step In
Federal assistance could be on the horizon. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has offered to provide data analysis support, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) may also launch a study involving the school.
In the meantime, the committee plans to collaborate with the Clay County Health Department and Liberty School District to determine appropriate next steps once testing is complete.
While no formal cancer investigation has been initiated at Warren Hills Elementary, the Missouri Cancer Advisory Inquiry Committee remains actively engaged and is awaiting further environmental testing results before making a final decision.
Parents and community members continue to push for transparency and action as the school district and health agencies work to address public concerns.