A union at NASA Glenn Research Center is worried about the number of workers who have been diagnosed with cancer, despite studies saying the rates are within normal range. Leaders of the Lewis Engineers and Scientists Association are asking several members of Congress to investigate the incidence of cancer. The disease has been diagnosed during the past three or four years in about 40 of the 100 workers on the Developmental Engineering Building's third floor, said Dennis Pehotsky, a spokesman for the association. The union worries about possible mold and asbestos from a ceiling hole, a dirty filter and other problems at the complex. But the cancer rates at NASA Glenn are within the normal range, according to reports unveiled to workers March 26 from the Ohio Department of Health and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The state and federal experts studied data from a questionnaire that could be answered confidentially by workers at the 1964-built facility and an annex constructed in 1965. But Pehotsky said some stricken workers skipped the questionnaire because of fears of being identified. "We want to get answers," Pehotsky said. Thomas Hartline, Glenn's safety director, promised to have the filter cleaned more often, but said tests show safe conditions. He also said Glenn wanted to avoid major repairs because of plans to raze the building and annex in 2010. Glenn leaders say they're satisfied with the findings but promised to keep cooperating. "We'll answer any questions that come to us," Hartline said. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who represents Glenn's district, said through a spokesman Friday that his staff will question Glenn officials and examine relevant documents. "We take this matter very seriously," Kucinich, a Cleveland Democrat, said in a written statement. Union leaders also complained about a change last Sunday in the shifts of five safety workers. The workers used to take turns, working around the clock. Based on criticism from NASA headquarters, Hartline rescheduled them to day shifts, except when needed for unusual activities at night. Otherwise, the only safety workers at night will be contracted security guards, backed up by public safety forces. The union says the new coverage is unsafe. The union represents more than 1,500 scientists, clerks and other workers, SOURCE: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/12075571484620.xml&coll=2#continue
If the cancer rates at the NASA are with in the range then there is no problem . If it is out of range then there is the problem. Thanks.
