CAMERON, Mo. -- A town hall meeting was held Thursday night in Cameron, where a series of brain tumors have the community on edge.

The meeting was to discuss the discovery of lead and arsenic at an old manufacturing plant in town.

At the meeting, health officials said there have been 68 brain tumors reported in the area, but not all of those cases have been confirmed.

The Department of Natural Resources said it found high levels of lead and arsenic in some soil samples from the former Rockwool Industries plant. The DNR and the EPA said some insulation was found buried in the ground.

Health officials said the water in Cameron has been tested and that it is safe to drink.

Arsenic and lead can affect a person's nervous system.

Health department officials are still investigating to determine if there is a link between the tumors and the lead and arsenic.

At least 300 people attended the meeting, which was held at the Cameron United Methodist Church.

"They haven't really told us anything. I feel really discouraged. I was hoping for a lot more," said Cathy Frasher, whose husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

"The EPA at least is trying. I think they're behind this 100 percent. I hope the DNR follows suit," said Bill Kemper, who lost his wife to a brain tumor.

During a question-and-answer session at the end of the meeting, some residents expressed a need for more MRI testing because there may be residents who have brain tumors but don't know it yet.

More Info

The DNR posted results of its tests on www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/sfund/cameron.htm .