Authorities in Harris County are warning residents about the tap water near the San Jacinto River.
Tests revealed unsafe levels of Dioxin, a cancer causing chemical, in the well water.
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Short-term exposure of humans to high levels of dioxins may result in skin lesions, such as patchy darkening of the skin, and altered liver function. Long-term exposure is linked to impairment of the immune system, the developing nervous system, the endocrine system and reproductive functions, according to the World Health Organization.
Waste pits from 50 years ago are suspected to have contaminated the ground water.
They were designated as a Superfund site in 2008, meaning it’s some of the most contaminated land in the country.
“I know of about 18 people who have either died of cancer, sick with cancer or other cancer related illness right now,” local resident James Fretty said.
Re-testing of the wells will begin Thursday and the EPA will announce plans for the waste pits on July 26.
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