A recent report issued by the Natural Resources Defense Council ("NRDC") and the National Disease Clusters Alliance ("NDCA") has identified 42-alleged disease clusters in 13 states. [Please click here for a map of these locations.] According to the report, there is an increased incidence of cancer, birth defects and other chronic illnesses in these disease clusters. The study, which focused only on the following 13 states (Texas, California, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Delaware, Louisiana, Montana, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas), evaluated research compiled by federal, state and local officials, as well as peer-reviewed studies, to identify the 42 disease clusters. According to the NRDC and the NDCA, the purpose of the report was to highlight the need for (1) federal agencies to work cooperatively with state and local officials to investigate these disease clusters, (2) reduction or elimination of contaminant release into the air, water and soil and (3) chemical manufacturers to better ensure the safety of their products. Plans are apparently underway to evaluate whether disease clusters exist in each of the remaining 37 states. The NRDC is set to testify before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 on the results of this report. For a copy of the report, please click here.