Federal health officials to discuss polycythemia vera study in Hazleton on Monday

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry will hold a public meeting in Hazleton on Monday, August 25 to discuss the final findings of an investigation into the unusually high rate of polycythemia vera in the anthracite coal region. ATSDR will also outline areas for future research. The meeting will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Genetti's Best Western Hotel, 1441 N. Church St.

In an e-mail sent earlier this week to local environmental health advocates, ATSDR researcher Dr. Vince Seaman said that their "hard work and perseverance has not been fruitless." He also said he believes concerned citizens will be "encouraged" by the recommendations that will be presented.

The investigation's results will be published in a major scientific journal in the near future, which may bring more attention from national and international medical researchers.

Also attending Monday's meeting will be national experts on the rare blood cancer and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection.

Check back next week for more details on the findings.