Study Reveals Elevated Cancer Rates Near Texas Superfund Site

State health department finds significantly higher rates of certain cancers in East Harris County near toxic San Jacinto River waste pits.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported higher-than-expected rates of leukemia, lung and bronchus cancer, lymphoma, and cervix uteri cancer in a 250-square-mile area near the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund site.
The study, covering 2013-2021, found leukemia rates over three times the state average, with other cancers also significantly exceeding expected levels.
The report did not determine causes of the elevated cancer rates but renewed calls for cleanup of the Superfund site, which contains carcinogenic dioxins from decades-old industrial waste.
Residents and environmental advocates criticized delays in cleanup efforts and called for more detailed data to better understand localized cancer risks.
The Texas Health and Environment Alliance and local officials are meeting with state and federal agencies this week to push for expedited action on the site’s remediation.