In a development that has raised concern throughout the Boston medical community, six employees at Newton-Wellesley Hospital have recently been diagnosed with benign brain tumors. What’s striking is that all six individuals worked on the hospital’s fifth floor, though at varying times and for different durations.
The hospital’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Ellen A. Maloney, publicly acknowledged the issue in early April, assuring staff and the public that the hospital is taking the matter seriously.
These tumors, while noncancerous, have nonetheless prompted an extensive internal and external investigation, due to the unusual concentration of cases within a specific area of the hospital. According to Maloney, the Mass General Brigham Department of Occupational Health and Safety is leading the probe, examining everything from air and water quality to radiation exposure and chemical usage.
As of now, there is no confirmed environmental cause linking the tumors to workplace conditions on the fifth floor. Investigators have tested for a wide array of potential hazards, including ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon gas, and even electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from medical equipment. No abnormal findings have been reported to date.
A particularly relevant concern was whether radiation exposure from portable X-ray machines might be a contributing factor. According to a hospital memo, between 2020 and 2024, approximately 668 portable X-rays were performed on the fifth floor.
Even in a worst-case scenario—standing one meter away from all of these procedures without protective shielding—the radiation exposure level would still fall well below the occupational safety limits set by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The ventilation systems serving the fifth floor and adjacent areas have also been inspected, especially given that the fourth floor houses a pharmacy that handles chemotherapy drugs. These hazardous medications require careful handling and specialized HVAC systems to prevent airborne contamination.
So far, hospital engineers and external consultants report that the exhaust and filtration systems are operating within regulatory standards and no contaminants have been detected in patient or staff areas.
In terms of air quality, the hospital has tested for various airborne particles and gases. Results came back within normal limits, with the exception of slightly elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemical compounds that can off-gas from cleaning supplies, building materials, and medical products.
The hospital noted that the readings were still well within accepted safety thresholds, and further testing is underway to determine if seasonal variation or equipment usage may explain the fluctuation.
Some speculation also surfaced about whether prolonged mask use—particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—could be a factor. However, experts and medical literature make clear that there is no known correlation between long-term mask usage and brain tumor development. Masks, including N95 respirators, are designed for safe use over extended periods and are used routinely in hospitals worldwide without incident.
In parallel with the hospital’s internal investigation, the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), the union representing many of the hospital’s nurses, has launched its own independent inquiry. This effort is being led by the MNA’s Division of Health and Safety, which includes occupational health nurses and environmental specialists. Their investigation will focus on identifying any common patterns in the affected individuals’ work histories, medical backgrounds, and exposure levels.
The MNA has requested voluntary participation from nurses who have worked on the fifth floor, asking them to share medical records and employment timelines to help pinpoint any possible contributing factors. The union emphasized that this effort is rooted in science and transparency, and that it will take several weeks to complete due to the complexity and sensitivity of the information involved.
The fifth floor of Newton-Wellesley Hospital is home to one of the region’s busiest labor and delivery units, serving thousands of families annually. It includes birthing suites, neonatal care facilities, and postpartum recovery rooms. The high volume of patient care and use of diagnostic equipment on this floor made it a natural focus for environmental scrutiny.
Despite the concerns, day-to-day operations on the fifth floor continue uninterrupted, with hospital staff remaining committed to delivering high-quality patient care. Both the hospital administration and the union have taken steps to keep staff informed and involved throughout the process, holding multiple briefings and offering voluntary health screenings to any employees with concerns.
While any cluster of brain tumor diagnoses may seem alarming, public health experts note that clusters do not necessarily indicate a common environmental cause. Brain tumors, including benign forms such as meningiomas and acoustic neuromas, can occur spontaneously and have a variety of genetic and lifestyle-related risk factors. Nationally, the incidence rate of primary brain tumors is about 23 per 100,000 people per year, according to data from the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).
However, when multiple cases appear in a specific workplace or geographic area, investigations are typically launched to rule out any occupational or environmental causes. These reviews are guided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and often take months to complete.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital and the MNA remain aligned in their goal: to ensure full transparency, scientific rigor, and a commitment to employee health and safety. Water quality testing results are still pending, and both parties have pledged to release updates as more data becomes available.
Community members, patients, and hospital staff are watching the situation closely, eager for clarity and reassurance. The stakes are especially high given the frontline nature of healthcare work and the emotional toll such health scares can impose on medical teams already stretched thin.
While no environmental causes have been found thus far, the investigations continue with a sense of urgency and care. Both the hospital administration and the MNA recognize that the trust of staff, patients, and the community depends on honest answers and proactive action.
For now, Newton-Wellesley Hospital remains fully operational, with staff providing essential maternal and neonatal care even amid the ongoing investigation. The shared hope is that this rare cluster turns out to be a statistical anomaly—but until that’s proven, no question will go unasked, and no precaution will be overlooked.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.
