By WENDY HUNDLEY / The Dallas Morning News

State health officials will launch an investigation to find out if there is an unusually high number of childhood leukemia cases in Flower Mound.

“We will do a statistical analysis to determine if there’s anything statistically significant compared to rates throughout the state,” said Allison Lowery, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The investigation is expected to begin at the end of the month, when the state agency receives 2007 data from the Texas Cancer Registry. It should be completed in February.

The study will focus on two ZIP codes – 75022 and 75028 – that cover most of the southern Denton County town. Investigators will look at childhood leukemia cases between 1998 and 2007, the most recent year with complete data, Lowery said.

The agency decided on the study after several residents contacted the agency in December, Lowery said.

Some residents are concerned about the health effects of gas drilling. The issue came up at recent public hearings about a company’s request to expand its operations.

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WFAA-TV story: Health officials to investigate cancer cases in Flower Mound.

Flower Mound Citizens Against Urban Drilling
Our Mission: To work in a legal, ethical, and civil manner to stop urban gas drilling in the highly residential areas of North Texas. We are not against all gas drilling, but rather that which will adversely affect the public safety, the enjoyment of our homes, and our overall quality of life. We support the need for better regulation and accountability of the Oil & Gas Industry in rural and urban areas of Texas.