Two cancer cluster studies were conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in July 2022 and October 2022, respectively.

The studies revealed that our medically underserved community has an elevated cancer risk compared to state averages.

In the July 2022 cancer cluster study, DSHS observed a statistical significance in Non-hodgkin's lymphoma (Extranodal).

In the October 2022 study, DSHS observed a statistical significance in Breast cancer and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.

In another case study conducted on February 7, 2023 by the Union of Concerned Scientist, it was discovered that commercial sterilizer primarily affect predominately Latino and Spanish-speaking populations.

In Laredo, nearly 95% of the more than 83,000 people who live within five miles of the Midwest Sterilization Facility are people of color, 30% are low income and 11% have limited English language proficiency (1). There are also 52 schools and childcare centers within 5 miles of Midwest Sterilization.

You can use UCS’s interactive map to see more information about commercial sterilizers in Laredo and around the United States.

References: “Ethylene Oxide in Texas.” Union of Concerned Scientists, 7 Feb. 2023, https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/texas