(01/11/06) ENGLISHTOWN ? An FBI raid on the Hair Systems, Inc. factory in Englishtown has heightened health concerns among people who live and work near the facility.

Federal agents, fire officials, health department representatives and local law enforcement officials entered the factory Tuesday following several fires. Representatives of the different agencies say they want to investigate the possibility of dangerous chemicals being housed in the facility. The Department of Environmental Protection has targeted the site for environmental cleanup over the past 15 years.

Residents who live and work near the factory say they are worried about breathing in potentially carcinogenic agents. Despite all the environmental concerns, Hair Systems, Inc. has actually applied to expand the facility?s size. A lawyer for Hair Systems says the company is cooperating fully with the investigation.