Specter writes to ATSDR of 'concern' about polycythemia study

On Sept. 27, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) wrote a letter to Dr. Howard Frumkin, director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, about the study of unusually high polycythemia vera rates in the Hometown area. I obtained a copy of that letter, which appears on Senate Appropriations Committee letterhead. It states:

Dear Dr. Frumkin:

I am writing regarding my concern over a pending report by your agency in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADoH) on whether there is a link between a higher than usual incidence of a rare blood disorder, polycythemia vera (PV), in Carbon, Schuylkill and Luzerne Counties and the nearby McAdoo Associates Superfund Site.

Last October, when I visited the site, I announced that the Centers for Disease Control and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry had agreed to work with the PADoH in data analysis on the rare blood cancer.

I understand that you are nearing the conclusion of the data analysis. The community is anxiously awaiting the findings and recommendations of the study. If there is a link between the higher incidence of the disease and the superfund site, we look forward to your recommendations on what can be done to prevent additional cases and treat those who have the disease. When the study is released, I strongly urge you to hold briefings for the local community, as soon as possible, to convey the findings and alleviate any unnecessary alarm.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

The letter is signed by Specter, who is identified as the ranking minority member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. In other words, as one of the officials who controls ATSDR's budget.