Visitor raises cancer‑rate and MRI RF questions; board offers follow‑up

A member of the public raised questions about cancer rates in Petersburg and whether radio‑frequency (RF) emissions from the new MRI could affect imaging results.

"My name is Tom Kowalsski and... I have just a couple things I wanted to ask... the new MRI machine and whether or not RF radio frequency emissions affects the results from that machine," the visitor told the board, also citing a 2023 study that ranked Petersburg among Alaska communities with higher cancer rates.

Board and staff acknowledged the concern and said they would look into the matter. In board reports, administration later described the MRI suite as fully shielded: "It is completely enclosed in a in a copper lined room. So it's a room within a room within a room. It's very regulated," a presenter told the board, noting strict access procedures.

No technical review of the cited cancer‑rate study or an epidemiological explanation was recorded in the provided transcript. The board offered to connect the resident with hospital staff for follow‑up and to provide any available information.

Provenance: Visitor comment introduced at SEG 036 and follow‑up shielding explanation at SEG 240–246.