Overview:
Uxbridge High School is being investigated for possible environmental causes after several female teachers developed breast cancer, though officials say there's no evidence of immediate danger or a confirmed link.
Uxbridge Public Schools has launched an environmental investigation at Uxbridge High School after several female teachers were diagnosed with breast cancer or precancerous conditions over the past few years, district leaders announced this week.
In a June 1 letter to families and staff, Superintendent David Ljungberg and Uxbridge High School Principal Michael Rubin said the cases may not be connected, but that the district is examining possible environmental factors at the school “out of an abundance of caution.” The announcement came one day after the district celebrated commencement for the Class of 2026.
“It is unfortunate that we have to follow such a joyous occasion with more sobering news,” the administrators wrote, adding that they shared what they know so far with high school staff at a meeting the same afternoon.
State and local health agencies are involved
District officials said that as soon as they became aware of the situation, they contacted the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Uxbridge Board of Health for guidance. The district has since been working with epidemiologists, environmental experts and other scientists from both agencies.
According to the letter, DPH officials have indicated there is no evidence of immediate danger in the building and no reason to limit access to or use of the facility at this time. State officials also commended the district for bringing the concerns forward, partnering on the evaluation and committing to communicate openly with the school community.
DPH officials visited the school Thursday, June 4, to conduct a series of air quality tests, with classes and other activities proceeding as usual during the site visit.
What the evaluation is examining
State and local officials are weighing several factors as part of the review:
- Facility: A comprehensive assessment of the building’s interior and exterior, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical and HVAC systems, to rule out infrastructure risks.
- Water: After testing, state officials have already ruled out the water supply as a risk factor.
- Air quality: Monitoring of both indoor and outdoor air on the high school campus for any abnormalities.
- Property site: Research into prior uses of the land. The high school was built in 2012.
Health officials are also studying the diagnosed cases by taking into account age, medical history, genetic history, specific diagnoses and other factors — to assess the statistical likelihood of a common cause. The team has asked the affected teachers to share data to help determine whether their cases may be related, and the district said the women have cooperated.
“Clearly, we are respecting their confidentiality in all of these matters, and we ask everyone to do the same,” the administrators wrote. “Most of all, we wish for them a full and speedy recovery.”
This is not the first time the DPH has assessed air quality in Uxbridge schools. The agency previously conducted air quality checks at both McCloskey Middle School and Taft Elementary School in 2014.
Union backs the investigation
The Uxbridge Teachers Association released a statement praising the administration’s work with local health officials and its support of the affected educators.
“The district has kept the staff informed throughout the process and has supported the educators through their medical treatments,” the union wrote. It added that while early indications suggest there are no environmental factors at the high school putting students and staff at risk for breast cancer, the association “fully supports the investigation by public health experts and is urging members to assist however possible in this work.”
In the town of about 15,000 residents, the news has prompted concern among community members.
Support and next steps
District leaders said counselors are available at the high school for anyone who needs support, and they encouraged students and staff at other Uxbridge schools to contact their school counselor or principal with questions.
Officials cautioned that finding an environmental “smoking gun” in workplace investigations is rare. Even if no direct causal link is established, the administration said it is using the process to rigorously test the building and ensure it meets all safety standards. A final public report from DPH detailing all parameters and any identified hazards, including benign ones such as allergens, will be shared with families and staff.
The administrators urged the community not to speculate or draw conclusions unsupported by the facts. “The health and safety of all of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” they wrote.
