This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

JP Forum: Moving Toward A Cancer-Free Economy: What We Can Do to Transition Into a JP Free of Carcinogens

Like other communities, JP is home to dozens of chemicals known or widely suspected of causing cancer, including substances in our homes, workplaces and public spaces. Latest research shows that JP has higher incidences of some type of cancer than the state average, especially for women.

Huge resources are funneled into the important work of cancer research and medical treatment in Boston. But what about prevention at the community level? What steps could we take to reduce the use of toxic chemicals linked to cancer?

Please join this community forum to “cure the cause” of some cancers by reducing and eliminating carcinogens in JP. Be part of the conversation about how to grow our local economy in ways that do not depend on chemicals that cause cancer. The forum will address critical questions such as:

  • What is the latest research on cancer rates and types of cancer in our neighborhood?
  • What are common carcinogens in our JP environment and how can we reduce them?
  • How can we help our local businesses that depend on toxic materials (like dry cleaners, beauty salons, landscapers, auto repair shops, art studios, commercial cleaners, restaurants) make a transition to safe alternatives and flourish?
  • What can we learn from other communities?

Polly Hoppin, Molly Jacobs and Dick Clapp, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production Carlos Espinoza-Toro and Chuck Collins, Jamaica Plain New Economy Transition

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

** More Information: Jamaica Plain has higher incidences of some types of cancer than the state average. According to recent Massachusetts Cancer Registry statistics, JP women had more brain, cervix, leukemia, liver, melanoma, oral cavity and thyroid cancer than expected compared to women living elsewhere in Massachusetts. And JP men had more melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and thyroid cancer than expected compared to the rest of the state.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Jamaica Plain