Pbs Learning Media: Environmental Public Health: Greater Boston: Did Environmental Exposure Cause a Disease Cluster?

In this video segment from 'Greater Boston,' Liz Lombard describes her struggle with a painful, progressive autoimmune disease called scleroderma. Scleroderma is rare, so Lombard was surprised to learn that other people in her South Boston neighborhood also had the disease. Health officials explain that there is a genetic predisposition to scleroderma, and there may be environmental factors involved as well. However, officials don't know whether this particular cluster is a result of environmental hazards or simply a coincidence. Includes background essay and discussion questions. [3:22]