The Arizona Department of Health Services Cancer Registry has identified 7 cases of childhood leukemia in the Sierra Vista, Arizona area since 1995. Five of the childhood leukemia cases were identified as a class of lymphoid leukemia and 2 of the cases were a class of myeloid leukemia. Based on random variation, a total of 6 or fewer cases of leukemia would have been expected over those seven years. An analysis of the data suggests that the number of cases is statistically elevated for the time period 1995 to 2001. The objective of this report is to determine whether there are any documented environmental exposures from drinking water, ambient air or waste sites that may have placed residents of the Sierra Vista, Arizona area at greater risk of developing childhood leukemia.

The officials of Sunnyside High School District and a United States Representative have expressed great concerns regarding the potential adverse health effects due to beryllium exposure in the vicinity of Brush Ceramic Products. The Arizona Department of Health Services was asked to determine whether beryllium released from Brush Ceramic’s plant poses a health threat to school children and employees, and residents in the vicinity of the facility.