A study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine shows a six percent increase in cancer cases in location in Florida that are near Superfund hazardous waste sites. In comparison counties in which there are no Superfund sites had lower rates of cancer, specifically cancers that strike men such as testicular cancer and prostate cancer. The state has 71 hazardous waste sites that are designated as Superfund sites and pose the most risk to "human health." Eight counties were identified in the research as being "hot spots"
Authors of the study suggest that the work is a starting point for the affected areas. They suggest that the data be used by local officials to decide where to best deploy clean up efforts and federal funds. Residents of the some of the areas expressed concerns that not enough was being done to protect them.
