Survey Finds Unremarkable Cancer Rate In Hinkley

HINKLEY (AP) — A California state study has not revealed elevated cancer levels in the town of Hinkley, a small desert community whose struggles with contaminated groundwater inspired the award-winning Hollywood movie "Erin Brockovich."

KNX 1070's Bob Brill reports

The California Cancer Registry has completed three studies on Hinkley, where a toxic plume of cancer-causing chromium 6 is once again growing, but found that from 1988 to 2008 cancer rates remained unremarkable. The results were first reported Monday by the Los Angeles Times.

Epidemiologist John W. Morgan says the 196 cases are less than what he would expect based on demographics and the regional rate of cancer.

The 2000 movie focused on Pacific Gas & Electric's $333 million settlement with more than 600 Hinkley residents over chromium contamination.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)