Cancer-causing chemical found in Hackensack school groundwater

A chemical linked to causing cancer has been found in the groundwater at Hackensack Middle School, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
DEP officials say that the chemical tetrachloroethylene (PCE) was found in the water. The industrial cleaning solvent, also known as perchloroethylene, has been known to cause cancer.
Officials say that the chemical is left over from a dry cleaner that used to be on the school property in the 1960s.
Assistant Hackensack School Superintendent Andrea Parchment says that the school underwent testing in August and that the DEP determined that the school was safe.
“I would like to stress that there is no danger to students and staff," Parchment said in a letter posted on the school's website. "As a proactive measure, the district hired an engineer to evaluate the situation and remediate if necessary.”
Parchment also assured the parents that the drinking water at the school was safe and that the DEP advised school officials that the drinking water was never contaminated.
Students will be given a fact sheet on Monday to bring home to parents. More information will be made available at Back-to-School night next week.