Multiple nurses at the same hospital unit end up with mysterious brain tumors
In this DML Report…
A concerning cluster of brain tumors has been identified among nurses in the fifth-floor maternal care unit at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts. As of April 1, hospital officials reported five cases of benign brain tumors among 11 interviewed staff members, though some nurses allege up to 10 cases, including malignant forms. In response, the hospital initiated an investigation, collaborating with state occupational safety departments and external consultants and adhering to CDC guidelines to examine air, water, and radiation quality. The investigation concluded with no environmental risks detected.
Despite these findings, the Massachusetts Nurses Association has questioned the thoroughness of the hospital's inquiry and is conducting its own survey, which has already garnered over 300 responses from current and former employees. Staff members have speculated on potential factors such as ionizing radiation, x-ray exposure, hospital water quality, prolonged mask usage during the pandemic, and proximity to chemotherapy pharmacists. However, no evidence currently supports these theories. The hospital maintains that proper safety protocols are in place and continues to perform additional water testing.
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Experts caution that determining a definitive cause for such tumor clusters is exceedingly difficult and may not yield clear answers. Similar incidents have been observed elsewhere, such as among Philadelphia Phillies athletes and at a New Jersey high school. The situation remains under close scrutiny as both staff and the union advocate for further investigation and transparency.