Are the TCE and POL plumes carcinogenic?
Some studies of people directly exposed over long periods of time to high levels of TCE in water and/or air have found evidence of increased cancer. However, these results are inconclusive because it was not determined whether the cancer detected in the studies may have been caused by other chemicals. At NAAS Monterey, the TCE contamination lies within the groundwater and is not directly contacting or affecting the residents of the area. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that TCE is not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.* Studies conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) on jet fuels like those used at NAAS Monterey have shown that jet fuels are not carcinogenic to humans.
