Source: CBS New York
Lawsuit Filed Against Town Of Brookhaven Over Landfill
At Least 35 Employees Of Nearby Frank P. Long Intermediate School Have Been Diagnosed With Cancer
Posted: August 24, 2018
Originally Published: August 23, 2018
BELLPORT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — It’s 275 feet tall, a mountain of ash and debris.
The Brookhaven town landfill has become a growing landmark in Suffolk County, and now some who live and work next to the facility want it closed due to health concerns, CBS2’s Jennifer McLogan reported Thursday.
For 38 years, Theresa Palermo has taught at Frank P. Long Intermediate School, in the shadow of the massive Brookhaven town landfill.
“I went to school with my shirt over my mouth, gagging as I tried to get into the building,” Palermo told CBS2’s Jennifer McLogan on Thursday.
Palermo, a non smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer. In 2005, her left lung was removed.
She is one of 35 employees at Long Intermediate with documented cancers. That’s one-third of the workforce.
New York state has been asked to investigate cancer clustering in the building and other complaints.
“The kids have problems with the breathing,” Palermo said. “Our eyes are irritated constantly. I have chronic dizziness.”
