Leukemia cluster linked to tungsten plant

FALLON, Neb., Nov 18, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A scientific study links a Nevada metals company to a cluster of leukemia cases in the area.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that 17 children near the Kennametal plant, 10 miles outside of Fallon, Neb., have been diagnosed with leukemia and three have died.

Scientists from the University of Arizona found high levels of tungsten and cobalt around the plant, where Kennametal operates a tungsten smelter. While tungsten is not a proved cause of leukemia, researchers have found that combined with cobalt, it causes mutations and tumors in mice.

Kennametal officials say the plant is in compliance with environmental regulations and releases no metals or dust. But studies have found high levels of tungsten in Fallon, and scientists say the level decreases when the wind is high, suggesting that the source is in the area, and the tungsten -- which occurs naturally in Nevada -- is not blown in.

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