A former Keyport, New Jersey resident began marking red X's on a Google Map, one for each neighbor diagnosed with cancer. What began as a hunch has grown into a potential public health crisis. According to recent reports, 28 homes on First Street alone now bear an “X,” and that number only continues to grow.
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. is speaking with Keyport residents, former residents, and families affected by cancer or other serious illnesses that may be connected to environmental exposure in the area. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed after living, working, or spending significant time in Keyport, our attorneys can help you understand whether you may have legal rights.
Residents and their families have reported cancers of the brain, lung, stomach, colon, breast, and more, concentrated in a small geographic area near the shore. Public health experts who have reviewed the data say the initial numbers appear striking. For example, Dr. Alexis Mraz, an associate professor of public health at The College of New Jersey, called it "a crazy high percentage" of cancer cases upon reviewing the map, and said it is "definitely worth looking into."
Residents, local officials, and environmental experts have raised concerns about potential contamination connected to the Aeromarine facility, a former landfill located in Keyport which closed down in 1979. The site was originally used by Aeromarine, a company that manufactured aircraft for the U.S. Army and Navy in the early 20th century, before being converted into a landfill in the 1960s and 1970s.
An environmental study in 2010 identified at least five carcinogens at the site associated with lung, breast, bladder, pancreatic, prostate, and kidney cancers, as well as leukemia and lymphoma. Experts warned that the site may have been releasing toxic chemicals into the surrounding air, water, and soil for decades.
Carcinogens reportedly identified in connection with the site include:
The presence of these contaminants does not automatically prove that any individual diagnosis was caused by exposure from the site. However, it does underscore why additional investigation, environmental testing, medical review, and legal analysis may be important for Keyport residents and families concerned about cancer diagnoses in the area.
Our attorneys are currently investigating potential legal claims on behalf of Keyport, New Jersey residents and former residents who have been diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses, as well as the families of those who have died.
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. has a 40-year history of representing families and communities in complex environmental and toxic tort matters. If you or a loved one lived or worked in the Keyport area, particularly near First Street or the Aeromarine landfill site, and have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, we would like to speak with you. Our investigation is ongoing, and gathering information from those affected is a critical part of understanding the full scope of what may have happened in this community.
There is no cost and no obligation to speak with our team. If you or your family may have been affected by cancer or another serious illness after living or working in Keyport, schedule a free consultation or call a member of the Wilentz team today.
Not at this time. A cancer cluster generally refers to a higher-than-expected number of cancer cases among a defined group of people in a specific area and time period. Even without an official designation, the reported concentration of cancer diagnoses near the former Aeromarine site has raised serious concerns that warrant further investigation.
Residents and families have reported multiple types of cancer, including cancers of the brain, lung, stomach, colon, breast, prostate, kidney, leukemia, lymphoma, and other serious diagnoses. Each case must be evaluated individually based on diagnosis, exposure history, residence history, and other relevant factors.
Prior environmental assessments reportedly identified carcinogens including benzene, arsenic, lead, vinyl chloride, and PCBs. These substances have been associated with serious health risks, including certain cancers, but further investigation is needed to determine whether and how exposure may be connected to individual illnesses.
Yes, potentially. Some cancers can develop years after exposure, so former residents should protect their legal rights. Anyone who lived, worked, or spent significant time near the former Aeromarine landfill and later developed cancer or another serious illness should consider contacting Wilentz.
No. Speaking with Wilentz simply allows our attorneys to learn more about your situation and explain whether you may have legal options. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation to move forward.
Angelo J. Cifaldi
President and Managing Director; Co-Chair, Mass Tort/Class Action and Cannabis Law Teams
Shareholder
Lynne M. Kizis
Co-Chair, Mass Tort/Class Action Team
Shareholder
Joseph Carlo
Associate
