The Superintendent of Tempe Union High School District contacted the Arizona Cancer Registry and asked for assistance in addressing a health concern. He explained that there is a perceived excess of brain tumors among students and staff at Corona del Sol with approximately eight to twelve brain tumors noted in the last few years. The concerns about tumors arose in conjunction with concerns about air quality.

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.